COACH’S IMPACT ON ATHLETES Anonymous students share their experiences with coaches
RAJASI LADDHA AND KAVYA KAUSHAL podcast editor and writer
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26 | THE PROSPECTOR
he depth and nature of the relationship between athletes and their coaches can ultimately dictate an athlete’s future. Coaches overlook every single aspect of one’s athletic and personal life as a single action of an athlete can either solidify or destroy their career. Yet this pressure and the environment in which trainers and coaches nurture their athletes can also make or break the athlete themselves. As one athlete describes, one must have a personal relationship with their coach in order to trust they know what is best for you as an individual, both on and off the sport. Athletes at Cupertino High School are no stranger to the tumultuous relationships with their coaches and their sport, sharing their experiences of how their coaches have affected their view of their respective sports and the overall positive and negative impacts their trainers have had on their lives. “One of my coaches uses her years of experience within cheer, both as a coach and a former cheerleader, to relate to her athletes, and she, therefore, holds us to high standards. She has no problem having fun during practices and encourages team bondings to amplify team unity. However, she also understands when to work efficiently and how to motivate her
athletes. Her teams reflect this balance, and you can see the notable difference. She pushes you further than you think without pushing your boundaries.” – Anonymous Competitive Cheerleader
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IT TOOK ME A WHILE BEFORE I COULD VIEW BASKETBALL AS AN OUTLET LIKE IT ONCE WAS WHEN I FIRST STARTED PLAYING.
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ANONYMOUS BASKETBALL PLAYER
“My former coach’s implicit actions that favored returning, more experienced players created a divide within our team when basketball is a sport that depends on teamwork and collaboration. He made me question my self-esteem and confidence throughout the season, both on and off the court. I remember requesting feedback from him, and he genuinely could not answer because he neglected the majority of the team. His influence impacted my relationships with my teammates and
basketball itself, and it took me a while before I could view basketball as an outlet like it once was when I first started playing.” – Anonymous Basketball Player “It feels really special having known him since I was ten years old. I originally struggled with my self-confidence, and he helped me learn that it doesn’t matter how much other peole believe in me; I have to believe in myself first. I wouldn’t be where I am without him; his experience and his constant encouragement has been imperative to my softball journey. To me, he is far more than a coach; he is my mentor, my biggest supporter other than my mom, and a huge inspiration.” – Anonymous Softball Athlete
