My time as a volunteer assistant coach was one of the most rewarding experiences in which I’ve ever been able to participate. It was even more rewarding than being an athlete and competing. I was able to help the athletes under my supervision to develop their skills and ultimately become better hurdlers and athletes overall. Many athletes, following my program, hurdle drills, and instruction were able to achieve personal best times for the season and all time. This helped me to know that my program can be successful in developing athletes, which gave me confidence in going forward in my future coaching endeavors.

 

There were times when I would have to modify my plans and my program to fit the needs of the schedule and the needs of the fellow coaching staff.  A coach needs to be flexible when dealing with different schedules, the weather, and the differing needs and abilities of the athletes. I was able to modify my teaching and communicating as well. It is difficult to get a bunch of high school kids to listen to you and understand what you are saying, so that taught me patience and to be clear when explaining a thought or idea.

 

I was able to learn much of the jobs and responsibilities of the coaching staff which helped me to be able to prepare myself better. I am grateful the coaching staff put enough trust into me to implement my own ideas and suggestions. I will be able to go on now in confidence in myself and with every other future coaching situation I have. Overall I would rate this as an extremely positive experience and it will definitely help me in the future and give me that experiential edge over the competition when competing for a career in coaching.