Before Raymond Kiddy ever picked up a whistle or stood on the sidelines of a soccer field, he was just a kid in Western Maryland dreaming big, building teams, and turning backyards into football stadiums. In A Road No One Traveled – Side Effects of Coaching, Kiddy takes us all the way back to where it began—not with formal training or a coaching certification, but with a childhood filled with imagination, initiative, and a deep love for bringing people together.
The Original “Athletic Director”
Long before he held the title officially, young Ray was already acting like one. He organized neighborhood football leagues, complete with team names, rules, and makeshift equipment. He rallied friends, brothers, and neighbors to create teams and schedule games. And when they didn’t have the money for matching jerseys?
He hosted a haunted house fundraiser in his own backyard to raise the cash. Yes, really.
That creative, inclusive, and community-driven spirit would go on to shape his entire career.
Not Just a Leader, But a Builder
What sets Kiddy apart, even from a young age, was his instinct to build something lasting. Whether it was a backyard league or a small school soccer program, he wasn’t in it for the spotlight. He was in it to make something meaningful, something that gave others a place to belong.
In the memoir, these early stories aren’t just sweet memories. They’re the origin of a mindset that would carry him through decades of coaching, administration, and mentorship. He learned early on that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice but rather about being the one who gets people to show up, care, and believe in what they’re doing.
The Lessons That Stick
Even as the memoir dives into much heavier moments later in his life such as seasons of loss, grief, and quiet resilience, it’s these roots that give Kiddy’s story a sense of balance.
Because no matter how hard things got, he never forgot why he started.
That kid from Lonaconing who built teams from nothing never left. He just grew up and took those same values, such as resourcefulness, loyalty, empathy and brought them to every field, classroom, and student he encountered.
What This Means for the Rest of Us?
Kiddy’s story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t start with a title. It starts with showing up, organizing the chaos, and caring enough to create something for others.
Whether you’re a coach, teacher, parent, or just someone who wants to lead with heart, A Road No One Traveled offers more than a reflection on sports. It’s a masterclass in growing something meaningful, from the ground up.
Curious where it all began—and how far it went? Order your copy of A Road No One Traveled – Side Effects of Coaching at www.raykiddy.com or email Connect@raykiddy.com.