Embedded Files
September 2022
"My mom only had one sport for girls in her pre-Title IX high school. I am so glad that my two daughters have already had many more opportunities. Our program is committed to continuing to expand these opportunities."
Message from the Coordinator
Message from the Coordinator
I'll say it "one more time," I believe that coaches can change lives because they changed mine! While Georgia Southern has long offered courses in coaching, we did not have a formal Coaching Education program until Dr. Drew Zwald arrived. You are probably aware that this is the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, which was intended to protect people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities (including sports) that receive federal assistance. But did you know that in 1996, Dr. Zwald received a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to create Georgia Southern's coaching education program with a special emphasis on the development of female and minority coaches?
Since that time, our program has grown to include undergraduates and graduates from nearly 30 states and 7 countries. We are proud that we were the second program in the nation to be nationally-accredited in coaching education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This means that outside experts have reviewed every aspect of our curriculum and faculty for quality.
But it is our committed students that take us to the next level. Through the cohort model in our master's program, you learn from fellow students of all experience levels and sports from around the world. Our Coaching Education program is, in my opinion, the best in the nation because of people like you. Please let us know how we can support your coaching.
Press on,
Coach Hal Wilson, PhD
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Right: Coach Paape ('21M) training U.S. Marines
"My passion is giving back to those who serve our nation through my knowledge and coaching profession. As a tactical strength coach, my goals are to provide a better understanding and ability of combative training to our military through kinesthetic awareness, injury prevention, and science based programming."
Coach Catherine Paape ('21M), CSCS, TSAC-F, RSCC, USAW-1, is the lead Strength & Conditioning Specialist for the Operational Support Team at Dover AFB. Previously, she coordinated a Marines' High Intensity Tactical Training program, assisted in the development and progression of the Force Fitness Instructor course, and served as part of the advisory board with HQ Marine Corps. In the fall of 2020 she was named a GS Coaching Education "Student of the Semester" before earning her M.S. with us in the summer of 2020.
Below is her description of effective coaching:
The ability to clearly relay and execute the purpose and intent of an athlete’s goal through mentorship, character development, and physiological advancement. While progress within the weight room is critical, the role as a coach is to provide an environment for growth through a holistic approach, allowing full potential for success through both mental and physical engagement. Each coach should have a pillar system, providing their athletes with the standards and structure to their programming. Allow the athlete to know “your” why and build the relationship to know “their” why. This develops purpose, goals, and transparent expectations to further build trust and a positive culture. As a tactical strength coach, gaining acceptance and trust within the community can be difficult. Tactical operators are working under unique stressors such as constant change, lack of sleep, nutrition, and brief recovery time and resources. Making the time to see each operator as an individual while enhancing team cohesion is key. Allow vulnerability as a coach (and human being) to shed light within your community to provide these individuals with your genuine authenticity and reasoning as a coach and mentor. Be the catalyst for a positive, dynamic, and motivating culture.
You can connect with Coach Paape at @tac-coach-cath, @thesynergisteffect, or https://www.thesynergisteffect.com/
Faculty Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight
From left to right: Catherine Paape ('21M) & Dr. Bridget Melton ('00M & '05 EdD) at the 2022 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in San Antonio, TX.
"It’s great to see our master's students making a difference in our diverse coaching field. Many of our students work with military, fire police, and EMS personnel. Our tactical coaches are having such a profound impact on our first responders, being proactive in health and performance. Catherine is a great example of our top notch students."
Dr. Bridget Melton ('00M, '05 EdD), CSCS, TSAC-F, ASCM-EP, & CPT, is a Professor of Exercise Science who teaches Coaching Education courses at Georgia Southern University. She teaches various undergraduate and graduate courses, from Principles of Personal Training, Exercise Evaluation and Prescription, Exercise for Special Populations, Health Planning and Promotion to Practical Applications in Human Performance. Dr. Melton also coordinates the Tactical Readiness and Preparedness (TARP) program at GSU, and directs research focused on improving health and wellness outcomes for tactical populations.
Bridget Melton, Ed.D., professor of exercise science and lead faculty member of TARP, said that due to high stress and health concerns, some police and public safety officials are at high risk for cardiovascular disease or other fatal illnesses.
“Our program provides state academies with fitness exercises that increase overall cadet fitness and focuses on injury prevention,” said Melton. “Our program focuses on occupational focused fitness to hopefully encourage a more positive view of exercise that will stick with cadets even after their academy training is done.'
To read the full article on Dr. Melton and other Georgia Southern faculty's collaboration with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center through the Tactical Athlete Initiative click here.
Above: Dr. Melton talks with leaders from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.
Real World Connections
Real World Connections
Our Coaching Education programs prepare coaches for opportunities at every level of play. In fact, our graduates have coached at the youth, scholastic, collegiate, and professional levels. We are always evaluating our curriculum to make sure we are preparing our students for the real world. Below is one recent example of a real-world coaching opportunity and and example of how our program prepares students for opportunities like these:
The Assistant Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach supports the Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach in managing the day-to-day strength and conditioning operations for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy teams U13-U15. The coach holding this position will be an integral part and extension of the long-term player development of our boy’s developmental academy players to create future MLS players.
Inside Look - Sport Conditioning Lab
Inside Look - Sport Conditioning Lab
Above: KINS 4420 students observe real strength and conditioning workouts as part of their course.
KINS 4420: Sport Conditioning Lab
"Students are introduced to the principles of training as well as gaining first hand experience by applying what they learn in class to a weightroom lab setting. The goal is to develop competent performance coaches through evidence based practices for future fitness opportunities."
"Students are introduced to the principles of training as well as gaining first hand experience by applying what they learn in class to a weightroom lab setting. The goal is to develop competent performance coaches through evidence based practices for future fitness opportunities."
-Visiting Instructor Jeff Ward ('16, '17M)
Program Testimonial
Program Testimonial
Above: Patrice Butler ('16, '17M)
“The Coaching Education minor is honestly one of the most rewarding programs Georgia Southern has to offer. Not only did I receive hands-on experience, but this minor led me to coach my own basketball team.”
– Patrice Butler ('16, '17M)
Co-Editors: Mikayla Ellison & Charles "Hal" Wilson, Jr.
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