About three months ago, I was asked if I’d be interested in telling a story.
The invitation came from Brookline.News, which hosts an annual event to celebrate their anniversary. Last year was the inaugural year, and I was honored to be invited as one of the storytellers for year two.
At Viking Sports HQ, I shared a few story ideas with Iris and Irene from Brookline.news. After some back and forth, they felt my entrepreneurial journey was the one to tell. Over the next two months, I worked with story coach Cheryl Hamilton, who also happens to be the Executive Director of the Stellar Story Company. It had been decades since I’d been the student being told to revise this or improve that—but working with Cheryl was incredible. She helped me shape a version of a story I’ve told thousands of times into something truly great.
The process began back in early March, when Viking Sports was still in slow winter mode. As the big day in May approached, my free time vanished. Ninety-four percent of my attention was on daily school programs, sports events, and making sure summer camp prep was on track. The remaining 5.8%? Practicing my story… and remembering to eat and pick up the kids. (I mostly nailed the pickup part.)
Finally, May 21 arrived—the night I’d be joining five other storytellers on stage at the beautiful Coolidge Theater in Brookline.
But, of course, that same day I had to run an Ultimate Challenge Fundraiser that had been rescheduled due to rain. Those events take a lot out of me—setting up inflatables, hauling equipment, and projecting my voice all day doesn’t exactly leave much gas in the tank.
Running on empty, I headed home, changed quickly, and within 30 minutes the Watkins crew was en route to Brookline. Shockingly, there was no fighting in the car—the kids were too busy practicing their mock trial: Goldilocks vs. The Three Bears.
I walked into the theater, greeted my fellow storytellers, and internally freaked out (just a little). I really didn’t want to be that guy who fumbles his story. Dr. Shan Liu went first and absolutely crushed it with her fantastic story. Then it was my turn.
My kids watched as their dad did his “old man walk” onto the stage. I adjusted my mic, locked eyes with my family, and told my story.
The entire experience was unforgettable. Cheryl, my coach, was amazing. The Brookline.News team was amazing. I really respect their fact-based, opinion-free reporting. I can’t wait to be in the audience next year to cheer on the next slate of storytellers.
LeRoy J. Watkins III 