FRAME

CULTURE AND BACKGROUND

My passion of athletics faced many obstacles as a child in a Title 1 school because of the lack of resources available. Our instructors lacked access to cutting-edge tools or technology that could have enhanced skill performance. To help us learn space awareness and develop our passing abilities on the soccer pitch, for instance, my coach would tie a thread around each of our waists. This innovative, low-cost method was effective in assisting us in comprehending movement and placement. I now use the same strategy as a coach at a Title 1 school since, like my coaches, I am without access to high-tech resources. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, this method has shown to be as successful, and I've noticed notable gains in my athletes' passing and spatial awareness. It serves as a reminder that ingenuity can still lead to great outcomes, even with limited means.

There are unique difficulties associated with working at a Title 1 school, especially in light of scarce resources and addressing financial difficulties that impact the community as well as the students. It is challenging to offer the same degree of assistance and possibilities that might be offered in other locations because of these limitations. But I view this as a chance to have even more of an influence. Despite these constraints, I try to provide my athletes with the greatest experience possible by being inventive and innovative. Having experienced similar things, myself as a child, I can relate to them on a deeper level and provide the support they require to overcome their own obstacles.

In addition, coaching soccer brings me immense joy, as it has always played a key role in my life. I played soccer as a child and have carried a passion for the game with me ever since. Although it is disappointing that soccer did not seem to be as popular in my neighborhood, I am thankful that I was able to assist in reviving the program in 2021 with other committed coaches. This rebirth offered me the opportunity to revive my favorite sport and expose it to a fresh group of athletes. There were undoubtedly difficulties because many of our athletes were new to soccer and some weren't even used to regular physical activity. But these difficulties also highlighted how crucial it is to have a constructive and inclusive team.

SPORT EXPERIENCES

Played soccer in middle school, some in high school, and participated in college intramurals, building a strong foundation and passion for the sport.
Began coaching soccer in 2020 as a middle school girls’ assistant coach, which provided a great learning experience on coaching fundamentals.
Helped restart the soccer program in 2021, transitioning to head coach for both boys' and girls' middle school soccer teams.
Achieved consistent success by leading teams to the playoffs in recent seasons, with the girls’ team winning finals twice, demonstrating growth in coaching impact.

COACHING CONTEXT

Coaches boys’ and girls’ middle school soccer at a predominantly Black, Title 1 school with many students from low-income backgrounds.
Works within a positive, team-oriented culture that emphasizes sportsmanship, with limited resources and unique challenges associated with a Title 1 school.
Leads teams with a mix of players, many new to soccer and physical activity, helping them build skills, love for the sport, and healthy habits.
Uses tools like iAnalyze and Hudl to analyze practices and games, implementing data-driven feedback and team-building activities to foster athlete development.

BUILDING TRUST AND COHESION

Creating a supportive and productive atmosphere for athletes to flourish on a team requires developing trust and unity. “The coach–athlete relationship has been referred to as “a situation in which a coach’s and an athlete’s cognitions, feelings, and behaviors are mutually and causally interrelated relationships (Wekesser et. Al, 2021).” Trust among team members promotes open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to collaborate, all of which are essential for attaining shared objectives. Players are more willing to take chances, encourage one another, and stick with the team's goals even under trying circumstances when they have mutual trust with their coaches. This dynamic is further strengthened by cohesion, or the team's feeling of togetherness and belonging, which creates a supportive environment where each member feels appreciated and inspired to give their all. Cohesion and trust work together to create a solid team culture that promotes success on and off the field.

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