A few years ago, I found myself saying “yes” to co-managing my kids’ hockey team… and immediately wondering if I’d made a huge mistake. I didn’t feel qualified, I didn’t know what I was doing, and I was terrified of messing it up for my kid, for the team, for everyone.

That first season was a blur of stress and scrambling. I was booking hotels in tiny towns, chasing down missing game socks, answering endless emails, and hoping I hadn’t overlooked something important. I was doing my best, but it often felt like someone was always disappointed and I was constantly wondering if I was the only one feeling this overwhelmed.

Over time, things shifted. I learned through trial and error, built systems that worked, and started to feel proud of the experience I was creating for the kids and their families. Then other new managers started coming to me for advice, and I realized: no one should have to figure this out the hard way.

I created this challenge as the gentle first step I wish I’d had a way to help new team managers get organized, feel supported, and start their season with confidence, instead of chaos. Because when you feel calm and capable, everything changes: parents feel informed, kids have a better experience, and the whole season runs smoother.