Before each practice, we sit in a circle and I ask each girl one simple question:

“What did you do this week that made you happy?” I’ll accept any answer except for “nothing” or “I don’t know.”

Why do I do this?

Because I want my team to know that there are men outside of their families who care about them, value them, and will listen to them. I want them to know that their feelings matter and that they matter. It serves as a simple reminder of how important each of them are, and it sets the tone for practice — and for their futures.

Fellow men, we have to do better for the female population, and the good news is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort. Don’t be a jerk, listen to women, and be respectful of their boundaries.

If we all do those things, the world will be a much better place for women and men.