Josh Sides · @WinUBo
2nd Dec 2021 from TwitLonger
Stepping Away
It is a tough thing, to leave something you love, not because you want to, but because you need to.
Effective the end of this semester I will be stepping down from my post as Head Coach of the Winthrop University Esports team.
I hope that I will not be judged too harshly for this decision. I have given my heart and soul to this program and to my players. I have dedicated most of my waking moments in the past three years in the pursuit of excellence for them. And it was truly great! We won and reveled in our victories, we licked our wounds after the hard losses, every single member of this team has always been there for each other. That makes this especially hard.
The downside to all of this brings us to the truth of the matter. There are many reasons that have contributed to this decision, but the bottom line is I have unfortunately ignored my health and emotional wellbeing until I no longer can. I am mentally and physically exhausted to the point where I can no longer continue.
I know that there are those out there who will look at this decision and think that I am being weak or selfish. I promise you it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life and not a decision that has come lightly. I hope that I can have your support.
If anyone has questions or feels the need to know more feel free to reach out to me in DMs here or on Discord.
What does this mean for me going forward? In the immediate future I will go back to working a normal 9 to 5. Is it possible that I return to collegiate esports down the line? I can't say I know to be honest, never say never. But for now I am going to be focusing on trying to have a work life balance where I can spend more time with friends and with family.
Lastly, I hope that I will be able to continue to keep in touch with the many friends I have made along the way. I will continue to support all of you. You are all so incredible and important to me.
-Bo