Loving your sport, achieving your personal best, and overcoming challenges comes from the support of family, inner drive and the dedication of good coaches.
There are many different kinds of coaches out there. They can be the die-hard sports fans, the fun ones, the serious ones and sometimes the clueless ones. Each one of these coaching styles teach you something about life and the world of your sport. But, it takes that one coach to inspire you, one coach to go above and beyond, and one coach who changes an athlete’s perception of the game and makes them fall in love with their sport.
Coaching is a profession that takes a lot of time and effort. We refer to our coaches as our teachers, friends, mentors and role models. They are the ones who have an impact on an athlete’s life. Besides teaching the rules of the game and techniques for success in the sport, a coach teaches life lessons and pushes athletes to become the best they can be on and off the mat, field, turf or court.
I am a gymnast, and over my 17 years of practice, I have seen and been taught by an array of coaches who have used a variety of coaching styles. A coach can make or break a sport for an individual. Personally, I respond best to coaches who plan for my personal best and use positive reinforcement. I can and will always remember that one coach that I am thankful for making me the person I am today. This one coach would never let me give up, always believed in me and respected me as an athlete, a leader and person. This one coach taught me so much about the sport of gymnastics, but most importantly, taught me key skills that I will use my whole life.
When reflecting on all of the coaches in my life, the best of the best have earned their status as being that one coach by instilling the following in their athletes:
C - Confidence
No matter what sport any athlete participates in; confidence is the key to doing well. Personally, I feel confidence comes from someone believing in you. If someone is motivating and has faith that you can do it; one tends to believe in oneself more. Some coaches often act as another or alter family member. They are a person you can vent to or someone to go to if you have a problem. Their deep understanding of an athlete's pressure of juggling family, friends and school is something they truly understand. Any advice is good advice from a coach.
O - Opportunity
Coaches constantly provide opportunity for athletes to grow as individuals and excel in something they love. While teams are practicing or volunteering, athletes learn an unlimited amount of skills that can provide opportunities for them in the future.
A - Accountability
A coach teaches athletes the importance of being accountable; accountability for actions, grades and abilities on and off the field is extremely important for personal and team success. In many cases, one person’s actions can affect the rest of the team. So the importance of good choices, time management, and dedication to the sport and team are important values to be enforced. These lessons athletes learn are ones that are transferable in life, in the workplace, and beyond.
C - Courageous
Coaches instill bravery. I’ll always remember a specific time when I was younger and was having mental blocks at practice. My coach showed up sporting Nike “Just Do It” gear from head to toe repeatedly telling me to “Just Do It” regarding a skill I was trying to master. It was at that practice that I overcame my fear. Since then, I reflect back to the “Just Do It” mentality before tumbling passes, classroom projects, assignments, and prior to presentations. A good coach always reinforces the importance of embracing challenges and having courage in all that you do even if it means dressing the part (lol).
H - Hard Work
The enduring work ethic learned in sports will transfer over to the real world and benefit athletes when they need to find work or excel in school. The most memorable coaches will test your limits and push you to accomplish things you never thought were possible.
This article is a tribute, a dedication and a thank you to all the coaches out there who have dedicated their lives to impacting athletes in more ways than you can imagine. You make a difference!
