Strength in Diamonds
December 10th, 2025
Photo: Ishwari Bhatt
Writer: Anushi Varma
Editor: Megan Lennemann
Recently, I finished watching Ted Lasso. If you haven’t had the chance to watch, allow me to give you a quick rundown. The show features Ted Lasso, an experienced American football coach from Kansas who spontaneously moves to the UK to coach a soccer team. While he has no experience coaching soccer, he does have a contagiously hopeful and optimistic attitude that he uses to positively influence the people he works with. One of the changes he makes within the team is creating the “Diamond Dogs,” which is comprised of his coworkers. When the Diamond Dogs “assemble,” Lasso and his coworkers share their personal feelings and concerns, often offering uplifting, meaningful advice. The origin of the “Diamond Dogs” is pivotal to the foundation of the supportive and compassionate environment and ultimately characteristic of Ted Lasso’s prioritization of looking out for others’ well-being.
At the same time, Ted Lasso’s consistently cheery catchphrases and encouraging smiles are not a reflection of his personal life. Outside of work, Ted Lasso’s relationship with his wife is deteriorating, and he struggles emotionally with the dissolution of their marriage, resulting in crippling panic attacks. Despite his emphasis on kindness towards others and ourselves, Ted endures his hardships silently and alone.
While I’ve been watching Ted Lasso, I’ve been volunteering with a grief support center in Ann Arbor for children and adults who’ve experienced a recent death. As a volunteer, I organize activities and facilitate conversations that encourage young children to openly express their feelings, concerns, and thoughts about the losses they’ve experienced. In some ways, the conversations we have remind me of those from the “Diamond Dogs.” Even though it can feel uncomfortable, when we voice our vulnerabilities, interestingly enough, we heal. When the children I supervise ask me to share what happened before my grandpa died, I initially hesitate in sharing. Looking at their faces, I can see their longing for a connection, someone to relate to, so I forgo my initial hesitation and explain. In return, they feel comfortable sharing their story, expressing thoughts and emotions they’ve hidden from others, longing to experience the relief from feeling heard.
It’s similar to how Ted Lasso gradually confides in the “Diamond Dogs” as the show progresses. Rather than just listening to and supporting his coworkers, he begins to feel comfortable seeking their advice in navigating his issues in solidarity rather than isolation. Ted Lasso learns that genuine connection comes from our willingness to open up to the trusted people around us.
So, when I say I love Ted Lasso, it’s not just because of the thrilling plot and lovable characters, but also Ted Lasso’s inspiring personal development. The show truly resonates with me and inspires me to seek connection rather than fight my battles alone. I am motivated to trust, confide in, and care for my “Diamond Dogs,” and I encourage you to as well. As Ted Lasso said, “If you care about someone, and you've got a little love in your heart. There ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”
