There is nothing that frustrates me more than reading that few people with an NVLD or a similar disability are fully included in sports during the high school years. As my Cross-Country and Track coaches proved 20 years ago, in a sport like running we can have inclusion since it is all about doing your best and supporting all runners. So as you read this I hope you understand why I strongly believe this percentage needs to be so much higher.
To Penny- When you first coached me in the 7th grade, I didn’t believe you really liked me given how little I could run. Two years later after crossing the finish line for the 1500m I knew I was wrong. In fact from that moment on I knew you were an incredible coach and advocate to me. It was such a special feeling as I was told by many that no varsity coach would support me and you proved them wrong. One of my greatest memories is still hearing you yell “Eileen you forgot to check the board” as I entered school. I was stunned to see I was running the 1500m for the sectional meet. Afterwards you taught me that sometimes excellent efforts outweigh talent in some situations and this was one of them. Also winning my first award for spring track in 10th grade was special too as I never thought a coach would respect my abilities enough to give me an award. I could really go on forever about how eternally grateful I am that you were my indoor and outdoor track coach as you proved daily we can participate in sports and be successful.
To Diane- When I first joined track in 7th grade, I was very nervous as I didn’t know you but knew my mom liked you a lot so I had great confidence you were going to be an incredible coach for me. I was right as you not only understood the sport of track and field but because you were a resource room teacher you understood that at times I would face some challenges like coping with change. For example when I became a distance runner you were so good at communicating with me about how I needed to try different events. With your encouragement I ran every single distance race and was happy to do it. I am forever grateful to be coached by you for 7-12th grades. You were a coach who always used your educational techniques on the track which just showed that inclusion works in sports too.
To Jim- When we first told my support team that I was joining the Cross-Country team many believed you wouldn’t be able to support me and that my parents were pushing inclusion too far. Right away at the first practice I knew they were wrong as you communicated in a way that no other adult had before and we quickly formed a special relationship. I don’t think I will ever forget my first varsity race as your pre- and post-race advice was incredible. These wonderful talks were constant and it made things so settled for me that even on my hardest days I loved running for you. You were an adult who always knew how to bring out the best in me. It truly speaks volumes about how well inclusion works in sports. I am not only eternally grateful you were my cross-country coach but also for your friendship today.
To those with an NVLD or a similar disability- Please understand that the individual sports offered at schools have a more “open door” policy and because they don’t have cuts. Students at all levels of ability are welcome and included. These teams focus on being a great teammate and overall personal growth rather than overall record which sports like basketball and football tend to do. Therefore if you are respectful and hard working you can and will be included and become a valued member of your team. That being said I would recommend that you choose to be a three season runner at first and then after a season or two as you build up your confidence and social connections and are looking to try something new perhaps try swimming as your 3rd sport. This is because I feel the coaches in these sports appreciate the hardest worker, not just the one with the most talent. Personally, I can say my coaches were my biggest advocates and were the first to say “never count out Eileen Herzog.” Therefore I strongly believe these same things can happen for you if you take the risk and join a sports team. It will be hard work however I believe you will love it.
Eileen
Eileen is a Project Social Ambassador and blogger for The NVLD Project. She loves helping others understand they can achieve their goals and dreams through hard work and dedication.
