Coaching Philosophy

John Wooden once said, “a good coach can change a game. A great coach can change
a life.” Coaches have the responsibility to be a positive role model to their school and the lives
of many young athletes. They can be one of the most important and influential figures in an
athlete’s life. To some, a coach may be the only positive role model they have to admire and look
up to. This influence can last long after the season and even after an athlete’s career. This means
that coaches have a moral responsibility to have a positive influence on their athletes. With that
being said, coaches must exemplify a person of character; demonstrating leadership, respect and
commitment. The values and lessons learned through sports and meaningful coaching help
prepare young adults and children for everyday life.
As a coach, I want to develop leadership skills in all of my athletes. Leadership skills are
essential in life, both on and off the field. Many athletes miss out on leadership opportunities in
sports because their coaches make all decisions for them. Given the right context, I want to give
my athletes the power to make decisions for themselves and decide what they think is best for
their team. I will still give my athletes rules and directions to follow but give them the
opportunity to make constructive decisions as a team. Athletes will work together to decide what
they think is best for the team, and each player will have an equal say. I want my athletes to be
leaders outside of sports as well. Student athletes can have a tremendous impact on not only their
team, but their school and community. Athletes must understand that the consequences they face
for poor decisions are much greater for students on an athletic team. They can lose playing time,
eligibility, or even be removed from the team altogether. I will encourage and empower my
athletes to make positive choices on and off the field and teach them to always take
responsibility for their actions.
Another virtue I want to teach my athletes is respect. My athletes will demonstrate
respect toward their teammates, coaches, referees, opposing teams and parents. This means they
will avoid name calling, insulting the opposing team and other verbal/non-verbal misconduct,
both on and off the field. I will make it known that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated and
that there will be consequences if it takes place. My athletes will support and respect one
another, even athletes on opposing teams. When a player is down, my athletes will demonstrate
respect and good sportsmanship by helping each other up, even those on opposing teams.
Similarly, they will be taught to be kind to others even when it’s difficult. For example, even
after a tough loss, athletes will still congratulate the other team, and learn from the loss instead of
being upset over it. I will help them understand that there will always be another game and
opportunity for them to play their hardest.
Through athletics and my coaching, the most important value I want my athletes to learn
is commitment. According to the NYS Educational Framework for Interscholastic Athletic
Programs, “the quality of sport is improved when competition and collaboration are
appropriately balanced.” Instead of focusing solely on winning and competition, I want to
develop my coaching style around the fact that hard work and dedication pay off. This mindset
can be used in all areas of life, and I think it’s important to develop at an early age. As a coach, I
will have athletes focus more on working toward goals, and less on competition. While winning
is a goal for everyone, I want my athletes to focus on effort and teamwork, and not just the
outcome. I will instill in each athlete that the more committed they are and the harder they work
each day, the more they will achieve. Winning generates a feeling of satisfaction and
accomplishment but hard work and seeing team and individual goals pay-off is even more
rewarding.

Meaningful
Coaching

Acting as a
Character Skill
Positive Role
Development Development
Model

Leadership Respect Commitment