Coaching Philosophy

Success in sports is not about wins or losses, but how athletes learn about teamwork, responsibility, resilience, communication, and integrity. I want to coach because when an athlete is with the right team and coaches, they can learn to become a better person. Character development can be taught through coaching. I want to be the coach that does that for young adults. I want to uphold their healthy relationship with sport and teach them life values. I believe we are good people and good teammates first. Then the skills, winning and fun come after that. A team without trust, respect, and sportsmanship will never get far. And will certainly not have any fun.

My coaching style is to create supportive, positive, and safe environments for my players. They should look forward to practices and games, not dread them. I will be uplifting and encouraging. I will constantly remind my athletes of what they are capable of. I will believe in them. The environment and how coaches make athletes feel around them is up to the coach. It is something that is under our control, so why not make it a good place to be? I want my athletes to trust me. To be able to tell me things that are important for their safety. I will have strong relationships with everyone; staff, players, community, opponents, and officials. Each with some health boundaries and respect for one another.

    In the NYS Athletic Framework Mission Statement, you will find the four C’s. Competence, Character, Civility, and Citizenship. My philosophy not only aligns with the four C’s but actively enforces them. It emphasizes the holistic development of athletes as both players and people.  When a strong character is developed, the other three C’s will fall into place. For instance, how could an athlete develop their skills without first having dedication to practice? How could a player be a role model without first learning responsibility? And lastly, how can a player demonstrate respect towards others without establishing self-control first? An athlete who embodies a strong character will naturally become a role model. Character is the core of a great athlete to me. Without components from character, the other C’s will be lost. My coaching philosophy strongly enforces this by prioritizing personal growth, integrity, and relationship building before skills and winning.

    In the end, it is about more than just the game to me, it's about shaping young athletes into great individuals who will carry the character traits they develop by playing this sport into every aspect of their lives. I wish to help my players realize their greatest potential on and off the field by creating an atmosphere based on mutual respect, trust, and encouragement. A quote from Coach John Wooden says “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” That is what integrity means to me. How will my athletes choose to act when no one is watching? And how can I make sure it is the right choice?