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TEXAS COACH - (ISSN 0040-4241) - Copyright 2024
Texas High School Coaches’ Association, Inc.
PUBLISHER
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION, INC.
PUBLISHING/EDITORIAL OFFICES: 2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924 web: www.thsca.com
Subscriptions: Annual subscription to TEXAS COACH for members of the Texas High School Coaches Association is $20.00, which is included in the $70.00 membership dues. For non-members: one-year subscription price is $30.00; two-year subscription price is $50.00; Foreign: one-year subscription price is $50.00. Single copies are $5.00 per current volume. TEXAS COACH is published monthly except in June, July, and August and is dated the first of the publication month, although it is mailed around the 10th of the publication month.
Change of address: Request for change of address must reach us 30 days before the date of issue with which it is to take effect. Duplicate copies cannot be sent to replace those undelivered through failure to send advance notice. Email change of address notice to admin@ thsca.com or members can go online and make the change in your member portal profile at www.thsca.com.
Periodicals Postage Paid at San Marcos, TX & additional entries. “All rights reserved”. (USPS 540-600).
POSTMASTER Send address change to:
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION
2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924
Printed by Capital Printing Co in Austin, Texas.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOE MARTIN joemartin@thsca.com
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GLEN WEST glenwest@thsca.com
Chief Operating Officer of THSCA
BRIAN POLK brianpolk@thsca.com
Chief Operating Officer of THSCEF
LIBBY PACHECO libbypacheco@thsca.com
Director of Publications & Technology BECKY ADAMS beckyadams@thsca.com
Director of Administration MARGARET BEYER margaretbeyer@thsca.com
Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships MOLLY FLY mollyfly@thsca.com
Director of Membership ALLIE HERRMANN allieherrmann@thsca.com
SHERYL HONEYCUTT sherylhoneycutt@thsca.com
Director of Finance & Accounting GORDON MACKEY gordonmackey@thsca.com
Director of Hotels & Hospitality CHELSEA MILLER chelseamiller@thsca.com
Director of Public Relations & Awards TYLER WATTS tylerwatts@thsca.com
Finance: Dave Henigan, B.J. Gotte, Kendall Miller, John Snelson, Mark Torres, *Lee Wiginton
Bylaws: Chip Darden, Charley Drum, *Chad Dunnam, Ricklan Holmes, Todd Quick, Shaun McDowell
Ethics: Kevin Crane, LaQueisha Dickerson, Robert Flores, Clint Hartman, *Jeff Rayburn, Fred Staugh
Policy: Chris Cochran, Jerry Carpentier, Leo Mireles, Juan Morales, Aaron Roan, *Amanda Wolf-Schramm
Magazine: Allen Gratts, *Matt Lovorn, Lance Moffett, Marvin Sedberry Jr., James Williams, Jerod Womack
Hall of Honor: *Ronnie Gage, Johnny Taylor, Dub Farris, Gary Joseph *Denotes Chair
DIRECTOR-ELECTS
Region 1 – Todd Winfrey, Canyon; Region 2 – Sterling Doty, Stephenville; Region 3 – Marvin Sedberry, Jr., Terrell; Region 4 – Jeff Ellison, Odessa Permian; Region 5 – BJ Gotte, Pearland; Region 6 – Chris Cochran, Lindale; Region 7 – Reuben Farias, La Joya; Region 8 – Joe Hubbard, East Central;
Region 1 – DJ Mann, Lubbock Coronado; Region 2 – Casey Pearce, Breckenridge; Region 3 – Josh Gibson, Pleasant Grove; Region 4 – Michael Pry, El Paso Coronado; Region 5 – Brian Randle, Randle; Region 6 – Don Hyde, La Vega; Region 7 – Ben Bitner, CC Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Eddie Salas, San Antonio Harlan;
Region 1 – Andy Cavalier, Canadian; Region 2 – Sammy Burnett Brownwood; Region 3 – Marcus Shavers, McKinney; Region 4 – Daren Walker, El Paso Franklin; Region 5 – Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point; Region 6 – Clint Fuller, Kilgore; Region 7 – David Sanchez, Laredo United; Region 8 – Tony Salazar, Westlake;
R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe
R-2 Russell Lucas, Sweetwater
R-3 Seth Stinton, Melissa
R-4 *Jaime Boswell, Andrews
R-5 Virgnia Flores, Cy-Fair
R-6 Don Drake, Ennis
R-7 Rob Davies, Harlingen
R-8 Stan Laing, Northside
R-1 *Trey Hayes, Lubbock
R-2 Casey Pacheco, Abl. Wylie
R-3 Eric Vogan, Texas High
R-4 Michael Waldmann, Andrews
R-5 Robert Kelly, Sam Rayburn
R-6 Daniel Gonzalez, Longview
R-7 Hector Castaneda Jr., Harl. South
R-8 Kari Brothers, Northside
R-1 Thomas Brockman, Idalou
R-2 Allen McGee, Graham
R-3 Josh Wheeler, Muenster
R-4 Juan Orozco, EP Coronado
R-5 *Corey Cephus, Cy-Ranch
R-6 Matthew Anderson, Franklin
R-7 Adrian Alaniz, Sinton
R-8 Tom Alfieri, SA Churchill
At-Large Chans Chapman, SA Reagan
R-1 Jason Pillion, Amarillo
R-2 *C.J. Villegas, Brady
R-3 Ty Tabor, Krum
R-4 Jason Archibald, Wink
R-5 Danny Russell, Katy
R-6 Jake Russ, Franklin
R-7 Sean Armstrong, G. Portland
R-8 Andrew Brewer, Alamo Heights
At-Large Richard Flores, Cy-Falls
R-1 Tyler Helms, Idalou
R-2 *Kenni Patton, Electra
R-3 Donna McCullough, Sachse
R-4 Steve Lee, Pebble Hills
R-5 Christina Jamerson, Dulles
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Clarissa Arredondo, McAllen Mem.
R-8 Christina Camacho, Judson
At-Large Brooke Brittain, Mansfield
R-1 Jay McCook, Canadian
R-2 Glenn Griffin, Holliday
R-3 *Logan Kelly, Lovejoy
R-4 Alonzo Samaniego, Presidio
R-5 Kenneth Decuir, Paetow
R-6 Josh Sypert, Eustace
R-7 Efrain Ambriz, Harlingen
R-8 Kelly Thompson, Leander Rouse
At-Large Scott Hippensteel, Lockhart
R-1 Ray Baca, Canyon
R-2 Loy Triana, Burkburnet
R-3 *Susan Bailey, Highland Park
R-4 Corina Marrufo, Del Valle
R-5 Jim Darcey, Katy
R-6 Edward DeLaCruz, Waxahachie
R-7 Joey Rendon, Santa Gertrudis
R-8 Rachel Freeman, SA Reagan
At-Large Karmen Sanders, Taylor
R-1 Jason Richards, Muleshoe
R-2 Sterling Doty, Stephenville
R-3 *Joe Castillo, Little Elm
R-4 Ruben Rodriguez, Eastlake
R-5 Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point
R-6 Keylon Kincade, Winona
R-7 Brent Davis, G. Portland
R-8 Alan Haire, Chaparral
At-Large Clint Fuller, Kilgore
R-1 Justin Wilborn, Lub. Cooper
R-2 Jason Hodges, Stephenville
R-3 Charlie Means, Denison
R-4 Paul Bustamante, Pebble Hills
R-5 *Mike Martin, Memorial
R-6 Brant Bennett, Midlothian Heritage
R-7 Celso Gonzalez, McAllen Mem.
R-8 Glenn Phair, New Braunfels
At-Large Paige Martin, Southlake
R-1 Roger Wipkey, Frenship
R-2 Chris Sims, Abilene Cooper
R-3 Kerry Gabel, FM Marcus
R-4 Shawn Trousdale, Eastwood
R-5 *Angela Chancellor, Kingwood
R-6 Joel Davenport, Ennis
R-7 Jennifer Ruiz, McAllen
R-8 Patrick Pruitt, Westlake
At-Large Brent McCuiston, Alamo Heights
R-1 Hugo Aguillon, West Plains
R-2 Justin Rhodes, Stephenville
R-3 Pablo Regalado, Kemp
R-4 OPEN
R-5 Ben Powell, Bellville
R-6 *Cashan Clark, Alvarado
R-7 Julian Robles, Harl. South
R-8 David Rogers, SA Lee
At-Large Jason Meekins, Katy Jordan
R-1 Alistair Caldwell, Lub. Coronado
R-2 Carl Wiersema, WF Rider
R-3 Kelly Thompson, Allen
R-4 *Cecilia Kellar - Odessa
R-5 Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point
R-6 Gerald Slovacek, Midlo. Heritage
R-7 OPEN
R-8 Bailee Perrine, Dripping Springs
At-Large Aaron McGough, Highland Park
R-1 Styler Haddock, Canyon
R-2 Cynthia Herrera, Stamford
R-3 *Kathy Schoettle, Allen
R-4 Lindsie Swarb, Monahans
R-5 Katie Roberts, Brenham
R-6 Same Weeks, Troup
R-7 Audra Troutman, Sinton
R-8 Jennifer Fox, Alamo Heights
R-1 Darby Norman, Canyon Randall
R-2 *Carrie Castleberry, Vernon
R-3 Sylvia Sims, Frisco Heritage
R-4 OPEN
R-5 Daniel Marshall, A&M Consol.
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Eddie Marquez, Roma
R-8 Teri Saunders, Pf. Hendrickson
R-1 Jon Murphy, Stratford
R-2 Andy Howard, Brownwood
R-3 *Janson Head, Denton Ryan
R-4 Brien Burchett, Greenwood
R-5 Jason Haddock, Clements
R-6 Josh Rankin, Longview
R-7 Bob Bechtold, McAllen
R-8 Keith Randle, SA Johnson
R-1 Crista Jones, Lub. Monterey
R-2 *Jeremiah Butchee, Stephenville
R-3 Ashley Broom, Sunnyvale
R-4 Robert Ontiveroz, Monahans
R-5 David Pollack, Seven Lakes
R-6 Jordan Johnson, Midway
R-7 Stacy Zamzow, Goliad
R-8 Jen McHugh, SA Reagan
R-1 Kelly Lozada, Lubbock Monterey
R-2 Shay Douglas, Stephenville
R-3 Jennifer Chandler, Northwest
R-4 Heather Archibald, Wink
R-5 Jenny Adcock, Stratford
R-6 Arden Johnson, Troup
R-7 Jess Odem, Goliad
R-8 *Rachel Torvik, SA Reagan
At-Large Jacob Thompson, Leander Rouse
R-1 Dalton Clear, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
R-3 *Kyle Stevens, Anna
R-4 Oscar Norez, EP Montwood
R-5 Vinnie Lowe, Katy
R-6 Collin Stroner, Midlothian Heritage
R-7 Donald "Ed" Arvin, CC Veterans Memorial
R-8 David Burdick, Vista Ridge
R-1 Tyler Frausto, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
R-3 *Jessica Fresh, Northwest
R-4 Stephen Scott, EP Franklin
R-5 Nicholas Johnson, Cy-Woods
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Ronald Pratt, Rio Grande City
R-8 Garvin Smith, San Marcos
* DENOTES CHAIR
Four outstanding organizations, transformed into one powerhouse. And while our name may have changed, everything you count on - great service, uniforms, and gear remain.
YOUR GAME IS ALWAYS GAME ONE
March 2024
THSCA Coaches,
The weather is beginning to warm up and spring break is in our sights. That’s when you know that March has arrived. Coaches in baseball, softball, soccer, track, and tennis love the fact that they can possibly get some relatively warm nights to play games as opposed to the frigid temperatures of the previous months; and campus athletic directors stay busy keeping up with the 10 different teams that are playing on campus at the same time.
We would like to thank all of you who attended the Leadership Summit in Arlington. We had another slate of outstanding speakers. I heard the great Eddie Robinson talk once on how teaching and coaching constantly evolves, and there is never a point in which we have nothing left to learn. Each year at the Leadership Summit, I pick up philosophical ideas to add to our core; while at the same time I receive confirmation on things that we already believe in and practice. If you have never attended, please make plans to attend next February. The Leadership Summit is an event that EVERYONE on your campus can benefit from.
A few reminders of important dates approaching:
APRIL 1st – SOCCER ACADEMIC ALL-STATE DUE
APRIL 7TH & 8TH – THSCA Board Meeting
APRIL 15TH – GOLF, TRACK, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL, AND TENNIS ACADEMIC ALL-STATE DUE
THSCA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL & COACHING SCHOOL REGISTRATION ARE NOW OPEN
Congratulations to the basketball coaches that led their teams to San Antonio, and a special congrats to those that returned home with a state championship trophy. Good luck to all the soccer coaches that are beginning their road to Georgetown in the soccer playoffs.
Coaches, don’t forget that Coaching School this summer will return to San Antonio, and REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!! We look forward to seeing you at what we anticipate being our best Coaching School yet. This summer there will be more on field/court lectures and more lectures from our Texas university coaches. They have made an extra commitment to our Texas H.S. coaches. Membership numbers are our strength. And our strength is needed now more than ever as we MUST continue to be active with our legislature and protect and support public education and athletics.
At the Leadership Summit last week, Ty Ellis spoke on how he believed that coaching was “a calling”. I believe that very thing. I do NOT believe that coaching is something that everyone can do or even the majority for that matter. I believe that coaching is an art as much as it is a science. Having the ability to coach is the same as someone having the ability to sing. It is a God-given gift that we can work to enhance, but the initial ability is an inherited talent. I encourage you to please continue to use your gift to influence the minds of young people, no matter how difficult times can sometime become. For it is the difficult moments, when our gift is needed the most.
Kendall O. Miller, THSCA President
Your questions and concerns about your health matter. Ascension Seton care teams are here to empower you and your family by listening, respecting your experiences, and creating a care plan that works for you. You deserve to be seen and heard. That‘s why our doors are always open to provide health and healing, for the whole you — body, mind and spirit. To us, you are more than a patient. And together, we are a community.
To report a coach that is Retiring or On the Move to a new HEAD Coaching Job, (FOR ANY SPORT) go to www.thsca.com, and find "Submit a Coach On the Move Report" under the "About Us" tab.
Steve Campbell, who spent over forty years at Calallen, announces his retirement. He posted a 20-5 record in two seasons as a head coach.
Ron Harris, a long-time San Antonio Churchill assistant, announces his retirement on February 5. He led the Chargers for nine seasons posting a 49-48 overall record with his best season being an 11-3 mark in 2016.
Trey Allen from HC at Kirbyville to HFC at Navasota.
Ernie Alonzo from DC at McAllen to HFC at Edinburg Vela.
Joe Dale Cary from HFC at Brazoswood to HFC at Tomball Memorial.
Marcial Chapa from Asst. HC at Comanche to HFC at Bruceville-Eddy.
Andrew Colvin from OC at Rockwall to HFC at Royse City.
Brandon Craus from HC at Bloomington to HFC at Splendora.
Jonathan Elliott from Asst. at EP Chapin to HFC at EP Irvin.
Craig Foster from Asst. at Harlingen South to HFC at La Feria.
Carlos Gonzalez from DC to HFC at Laredo United.
Jeremiah Granado from DC at Cedar Creek to HFC at Luling.
Tyrone Green promoted from Asst. HC to HFC at Alvin Shadow Creek.
Adam Harvey from Asst. at Clemens to HFC at Long Creek. (New School in New Braunfels ISD.)
Jeremy Jenkins from HFC at Harmony to HFC at East Bernard.
Jared Jones promoted from OC to HFC at Joaquin.
Brandon Layne from HFC at Redwater to AD/HFC at Hemphill.
Ilyan Martinez from HC Natalia to AD/HFC at Floresville.
Brad Molder from HFC at La Vernia to HFC at New Braunfels.
Reggie Patrick from OC at China Spring to HFC at Bosqueville.
Dustin Pleasant from OC at Rouse to HFC at FW CarterRiverside.
Efrain Ramos from DC at Anna to HFC at Lamesa.
James Reyes from HC at Lumberton to HFC at Palestine.
Jason Reynolds from OC at Wichita Falls to HFC at Natalia.
Scott Rich from QB coach at Katy to AD/HFC at Nederland.
Corey Roberson promoted from Asst to HFC at Callisburg.
Andrew Roy promoted from DC to HFC at Lubbock Coronado.
Derek Schlieve from HFC at Baird to AD/HFC at SanfordFritch.
Craig Slaughter promoted from DC to HFC at Wall.
Royce Slechta from OC at Sherman to AD/HFC at Rice.
Mark Smith formerly at LD Bell to HFC at San Angelo Central.
Cody Stutts promoted from DC to HFC at Sunnyvale.
Albert Torres from HFC at Harlandale to Asst. AD for San Antonio ISD.
Casey Vogt from Asst. at Randle to HFC at George Ranch.
Mike Waldie from OC at Bryan to AD/HFC at Groveton.
Jason Wheeler from DC at Mission to HFC at Hidalgo.
We are always on the hunt for article content for publication in Texas Coach! Article submissions can be sport-specific skills and techniques, or be related to program administration, team culture, building relationships with athletes, parents, administrators, etc. Maybe a top 10 list you want to create or a “Do’s and Don’ts guide?” We publish articles from both members and non-members... so we encourage you to reach out to all of the different sport coaches on your campus, your athletic administration, spouses, student-athletes, school administrators, booster club presidents, etc. and ask them to share their knowledge and wisdom with our Texas coaching family! Please email all article submissions to beckyadams@thsca.com – Word Document format is preferred, and 2-4 pages would be ideal length.
Coach Chuck Cotton’s youngest daughter, Colby Leigh Cotton of Austin, along with her two sons, Dalton & Dylan Cotton are offering their 7th Annual Scholarship to a child athlete of a coach!
Applications will be accepted February 1 thru April 30, 2024 The 2023 - 2024 winner will be announced on M May 15, 2024 .
Hello Awesome Ladies!
March 2024
March Madness is here!! We are currently midway through the second semester of school and amidst the excitement of spring sports. A special shout out to the wives of baseball, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, wrestling, powerlifting, tennis, athletic trainers, and swimming. Although many assume that football season is our busiest time, the spring season always keeps us on our toes. The upcoming spring break is calling our names louder each day.
We are eagerly anticipating the San Antonio Convention in 2024, just four months away. Our dedicated Board of Directors is working tirelessly to ensure that this year's Coaching School will be exceptional! It truly is a collaborative effort to organize such an enjoyable event for all the remarkable individuals attending. To the spouses in the San Antonio area, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. If you have a small business or know of local businesses interested in being vendors at the Convention, kindly reach out to us via email at txcoacheswives@gmail.com. We have exciting plans in place for San Antonio and cannot wait to welcome you all!
Attention to all senior parents! If you are an active member of THSCWA with a high school senior graduating in 2024, it is time to begin submitting your scholarship applications. The THSCWA Scholarship applications for 2024 are now accessible at www.thscwa.org/scholarships. Please be mindful that the deadline for all applications is no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2024. No applications will be considered after this deadline.
Moreover, nominations are open for the prestigious title of "Woman of the Year." If you wish to nominate someone, kindly complete the nomination form at www.thscwa.org/woman-of-the-year or submit your nomination letter to txcoacheswives@gmail.com. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2024.
As always, we express our gratitude for your unwavering support of the Texas High School Coaches Wives Association. We look forward to reuniting in San Antonio! Stay updated on Convention news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and our webpage.
Best wishes for a great spring!
Misty Houston, THSCWA President txcoacheswives@gmail.com
THSCWA OFFICERS: 2023-2024
PRESIDENT: misty houston
PRESIDENT ELECT : justine palmer
SECRETARY: daisy greek
TREASURER: cynthia griffing
PAST PRESIDENT: shelby b. shelby
DIRECTORS
REG 1: clara simmons
REG 2: JESSICA ATWOD
REG 3: KRISTEN HAYWOOD
REG 4: angie torres
REG 5: erin smith
REG 6: LYNDSEY RATLIFF
REG 7: rita romero
REG 8: AMANDA AGUIRRE
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS:
REG 1: autumn softley
REG 2: victoria dugeon
REG 3: valerie harris
REG 4: GENTRY STAUGH
REG 5: courtney reeve & leigh montgomery
REG 6:
REG 7: Alisa masters
REG 8: Hilary moore
THSCWA will award a minimum of two (2) $2,000 scholarships to children of active THSCWA members who are graduating seniors Selection of the recipients will be based on the following criteria:
1 2024 Graduating Senior who has maintained a “B” or better average throughout high school
2 Participant in a school sponsored activity during his/her high school career
3. Not a recipient of a full scholarship
4. Recipient must use the scholarship towards an accredited college or university, trade or vocational school
5 Mother must be a current member of THSCWA
6. The essay MUST respond to the prompt to be considered by the committee
Applicants should be prepared to submit the following information with the items (PDF format) listed below:
Name: Phone(s):
Personal (not school) Email address:
Address: City, Zip
High School: Class Rank of Mother ’s Name: Father ’s Name:
Submit yo ur information with PDF versions of the following:
Resume (Including: Educational & Career Goals, Awards & Recognitions, Extracurricular Involvement-activity and years of participation)
Official transcript (including Fall 2023 grades)
Essay
Student ’s picture (to be used for THSCWA media)
Mother ’s current THSCWA membership card
Selection will be made by the THSCWA Scholarship Committee.
All applicants will be notified when selections have been made
Submit all information on Google Form (scan QR).
Only applications submitted on the Google Form will be considered for selection
All applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2024. Any applications submitted after this point will not be accepted.
Any questions can be directed to THSCWAScholarship@gmail.com
*Recipient ’s checks will be sent directly to the school on the recipient ’s behalf once enrollment has been verified.
“Excellence is a gradual result of always striving to do better.”
Pat Riley
"Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”
Tony Robbins
“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for..”
Tom Bodett
“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.”
W.P. Kinsella"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.”
Paul J. Meyer“Competing at the highest level is not about winning. It's about preparation, courage, understanding and nurturing your people, and heart. Winning is the result.”
Joe Torre
“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”
Kobe Bryant
“If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.”Tom Hanks
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good things and good people will be drawn to you.”
Mary Lou Retton
By Kayla Scott
of
It is highly argued in todays society that being a student athlete in high school has many negative effects on high school students. Too much negative stress, and pressure is put on kids trying to balance academics and sports, and that sports can teach negative lessons, or teach lessons that have no further benefit to a kids life once they graduate high school. (Carson, 3) Also, that students athletes do not focus on academics enough, and that many people who participate in sports are simply “dumb jocks.” (Bowen & Hitt, 11) While, being part of a sport does require much of a time commitment, sports highly benefits adolescents now, and later in life.
Participating in sports and being part of a team teaches you many positive lessons that transfer from the field, court, and gym into life. Research has shown that sports teaches many life skills such as discipline, hard work, accountability, effort, decision making, managing anger, how to face adversity, work well with others, show positive sportsmanship, setting and attaining goals, and the list goes on. (Danish,55)
Sports involve learning and teaching. (Adetunji, 30) For example, in the game of football learning is required to play the game successfully. Similar to life, in order to succeed, you must adjust to challenges when things do not go your way. You must learn to adapt to change.
A proven scientific benefit of being involved in sports is that sports provides physical fitness to youth. It is shown that 22% of kids between the ages of twelve and nineteen are overweight. Being involved in a sport where you receive physical fitness daily, greatly impacts your overall health. Studies also show that being healthy overall has a positive impact on your life, and mental wellbeing. (Danish, 57)
Society has portrayed student-athletes as “dumb jocks” or people who are stupid and only good at sports. This simply is not true. Research has shown student-athletes are significantly more likely to score higher on standardized tests, earn higher wages, go to college, and are more likely to report having a positive relationship with school personnel. Athletes are held to academic standards with the NO PASS, NO PLAY policy. (Bowen & Hitt, 10) Student-athletes must
maintain passing grades in all of their classes if they wish to play their sports. Whether or not an athlete is committed to academics, if they wish to play their sport, they must pass all their classes.
Some of the most important lessons being a student-athlete teaches are accountability, discipline, decision making, and time management. (Carson, 3) Being part of a team teaches accountability, because each teammate is counting on you to do your job. If one member of the team fails to do their job, the whole team suffers. Similar to life, this could apply to many things such as doing what is needed in your job. (Danish, 57) Or later in life, starting a family and playing your role properly.
In sports, decision making, is a vital part of success. Playing in a game, you learn that making a wrong decision is better than making no decision. It teaches decisiveness, and that sometimes you have to take a risk to succeed; you cannot do everything inside your comfort zone. As an athlete, you must make many choices each day like who to pass the ball to in basketball, what hit to call in volleyball, what pace to run at in track, when to make a tackle in football, or if you should try to make it to the next base in baseball or softball. Athletes have milliseconds to make these vital decisions that could affect the outcome of a game, or race. If a decision is failed to be made, it could result in a negative outcome such as the opposing team scoring, or result in a loss. In life, you have to make many important decisions, like where to go to college, and what career path to go down. Making these choices will require important decision making. (Danish,55)
Time management is such an important skill when you are a student-athlete. With practices mostly everyday, student-athletes must set aside time for homework, chores, studying and sleep. This will help later in life by putting time into what is most important to succeed. Being part of a team teaches you how to work with others regardless of any differences you may have. Sports also gives teens and kids lifelong friends and gives them an identity. (Adetunji, 31)
Being in a sport teaches discipline. (Adetunji, 32) In
sports you lose games, get injuries, and fail to meet your goals. You will fall down, but you are taught to get back up, and to try over and over again. Sports create mentally tough people. Maybe you have experienced a set-back such as a losing season. So, do you just give up and decide that your team will never be great? What if you do not get that dream job you interviewed for? Are you going to sit and whine about it? Or, will you get back up and figure out what to do next and try again?
I would like to finish with this: I am not just a student-athlete myself, but a football coach's daughter. With that being said, sports has always been part of me for as long as I can remember. Sports have always been in my life and participating in them has taught me many lessons and given me so many memories.
Whether its being on the sidelines at games helping out, being in the weightroom, being taught new plays by dad, pregame strategy talking, or post game hugs and reflections, my love for the game has never died, and the adrenaline that pumps through me during gametime compares to nothing else.
Another thing that can be said about being a coach's daughter is that I see the impact that coaches have on players first hand on a daily basis. I have seen coaches play the father figure role that some kids have never had. I have seen those who are struggling, join a team and their life get completely turned around for good. I have seen those who did not have a home, find one in their teammates and coaches. Being a coaches daughter has given me hundreds of brothers that I know would do anything for me, because they know that coach would do anything for them.
Being a student athlete has made a positive impact on my life so big, that I never knew was possible. Being on a team has given me a family, and taught me about accountability. Playing sports has shown me that when you work hard towards something consistently, the hard work will pay off eventually. Sports has given me an identity; without it, I would not know who I am, or what to do. Sports has taught me what to do when times get tough, because life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react.
I love the athlete lifestyle. The late-night games, early morning practices, the hard workouts, and the thrill of winning. I would not trade it for a thing, not a single thing.
Works Cited
Adetunji, Olanipekun Johnson, and I. Akindutire. "Benefits of participation in sport to the youth." Journal of Sports and Physical Education 4.1 (2017): 3034.
Bowen, Daniel H., and Collin Hitt. “History and Evidence Show School Sports Help Students Win.” The Phi Delta Kappan, vol. 97, no. 8, 2016, pp. 8–12. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24893327. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
Carson, Sarah A. Life skills development and transfer through high school sport participation: How life lessons are taught and brought to life. Michigan State University, 2010.
Danish, Steven J. "Teaching life skills through sport." Paradoxes of youth and sport (2002): 49-60.
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ECCKER SPORTS IS THSCA'S RESOURCE ON N.I.L. EDUCATION FOR COACHES & ATHLETES
Source: The Atlantic, August 2023
Since its debut in late 2018, the NCAA Transfer Portal has helped redefine the landscape of college football, revolutionizing how student-athletes navigate their collegiate careers and offering unprecedented flexibility and opportunities for players to explore new horizons.
Created as a compliance tool, the transfer portal was designed to systematically manage the transfer process and increase transparency among schools. It is a pivotal platform for athletes seeking to transfer from one institution to another, reshaping the dynamics of team rosters and creating new challenges and opportunities for coaches and programs alike.
The transfer portal has become a critical educational component for high school football coaches in Texas and beyond, both for recruiting and player guidance. When student-athletes consider entering the portal, they will likely turn to their high school coach for advice first. This article will take a deeper look at the transfer portal and provide a framework to educate high school football coaches on how to best guide student-athletes seeking insight and counsel.
The transfer portal is an online database where student-athletes can enter their names to express their intent to transfer.
Previously, student-athletes were required to seek permission from their current institution to explore transfer opportunities, often leading to unexpected hurdles and delays. With the transfer portal, athletes now have more agency and control over their collegiate careers, enabling them to explore new opportunities with greater ease.
But, as with all things, there is plenty of nuance. For high school football coaches, there are two primary factors to consider. The first is understanding how the portal impacts high school recruiting.
According to data compiled by The Dallas Morning News, in the final recruiting cycle before the introduction of the portal, area Division I teams - Baylor, North Texas, Oklahoma, SMU, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech - signed 187 high school recruits and accepted only one transfer: Utah linebacker Gerrit Choate, who went to SMU.
At the end of the 2023 recruiting cycle, the colleges had 75 commitments through the transfer portal, and 163 high school players either signed or committed - 24 fewer than in 2018.
Why the change? The portal has given players the freedom to change schools without penalty, thereby allowing teams to fill their rosters with experienced players, decreasing the number of spots available for high school athletes. Many college coaches found themselves drawn to the experience and readiness of college transfers over the uncertainty that often comes with high school recruits.
The impact of the transfer portal on high school recruiting is one factor to consider. Beyond that, high school coaches must also be aware of the opportunities and challenges for former student-athletes looking to transfer from their current institutions.
“The portal is a great place for opportunity,” said Jon Shalala, founder of ANSRS, a data analysis software program built for coaches. “You just need to ensure your athletes understand all the possibilities and are fully aware of the situation.
“Players will likely ask their high school coaches for advice and guidance first,” he continued. “When that happens, the high school coach needs to be informed and ask, ‘Have you officially entered the transfer portal yet?’ If yes, the high school coach can begin reaching out on the player’s behalf to discuss opportunities. If no, compliance has to come first, and the player needs to officially enter the portal before any conversations can begin.”
Think of it as a natural extension of the Straight Line Recruiting (SLR) initiative. The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) created the SLR process to empower high school coaches during recruitment, ensuring the athletes who get recruited have the high school coach’s stamp of approval and will be productive athletes in the college program. The initiative also sought to open communication lines between college and high school coaches.
No one is more responsible for cultivating an athlete’s character than his coach, which uniquely qualifies high school coaches as a college recruiter’s most valuable asset when evaluating an athlete – they’re one of the pivotal judges when choosing in which environment the athlete will best thrive.
“High school coaches in Texas are involved with their players during their high school days through the recruiting process,” said Tim Prukop, co-founder of the Eccker Sports Group, a leading educational resource on high school NIL.
“When those players move on to college, they continue to reach out to coaches when opportunities arise to transfer or negotiate an NIL deal. When those student-athletes reach out to their high school coach, they need to understand what’s going on in the market to provide the best guidance and counsel possible.”
While the transfer portal offers numerous benefits for student-athletes, coaches, and programs, it also presents certain challenges and considerations. Critics argue that unrestricted player mobility could lead to talent concentration at certain programs, exacerbating existing disparities between powerhouse programs and smaller schools. Additionally, the portal isn’t necessarily a platform where players go to be found: statistically speaking, more than 40% of athletes who enter the portal will not be picked up, as reported by On3.
“Here’s a common scenario,” said Shalala. “Let’s say you’re a good player at a Division 1 school like Texas State. If you’re highly successful at that level, you’re probably going to have someone in college athletics (like a trainer or former coach) nudging you to enter the portal. It’s prohibited to actively recruit a player into the portal from another school, but the athlete might have an inclination that they would be successful in the portal.
“Maybe the athlete thought he could go to a big Power 5 school, but now you have other kids from Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas, for example, who are also in the portal, which is now saturated,” Shalala continued. “That player could still go to a Group of Five school, but there’s also a likelihood that they might not. It’s really a case-by-case scenario, and the portal is just so dynamic. You have to have a real conversation with yourself and your trusted advisers and make sure everyone understands the situation.”
As the transfer portal continues to reshape the college football landscape, its impact on the sport’s future remains to be determined. While some advocate for further deregulation to empower student-athletes and promote greater competition, others call for measures to safeguard the integrity and stability of college football programs. Finding the right balance between player empowerment and institutional control will be crucial in shaping the future of college football and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The portal has the potential to enhance the recruiting process, promote greater competition, and empower student-athletes to take control of their collegiate careers.
High school coaches will play a central role in shaping its future trajectory. As some of the most trusted advisors to student-athletes and their families, the coach is responsible for understanding the transfer portal’s pitfalls and opportunities, including its potential impact from recruiting through the active transfer process.
For high school coaches, adeptly navigating the intricacies of the college football landscape - like NIL and the transfer portal - requires continued education, knowledge sharing, and quick access to up-to-date resources and information.
Eccker Sports Group provides tools high school coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and their families can use to help them navigate a complex landscape and understand the impact emerging opportunities like NIL will have on their students now and in the future. Visit EcckerSports.com to learn more.
Nomination Process:
THSCA & Texas Farm Bureau Insurance want to give recognition to our Texas high school coaches for their accomplishments on and off the field/court. Congratulations to our Fall 2023 Regional Head Coach and Assistant Coach Honorees and our overall Coach of the Year in each sport.
The nomination process will be open to every member of THSCA after the state championships in each sport. Each THSCA member is offered a chance to nominate a head coach and/or assistant coach to submit through the Member Portal. Nominations will cease after 2 weeks. Nominations will then be handed over to the Awards Committee for scoring (by region).
Award Requirements:
Region 3
6A Boys & Girls – Brandon Dion, Marcus Region 5
6A Girls – Robert Brown, Brazoswood Region 8
6A Boys – Scott Slay, Boerne Champion assistant coaches of the year Region 3
6A Girls - Sarah Carlile, Hebron Region 8
6A Girls - Matt Majors, Brandeis
head coaches of the year
Region 3
5A – Doug Fair, Centennial Region 7
5A – Mike Salinas, Sharyland Region 8
5A – Joey Cantu, Boerne Champion assistant coaches of the year
Region 1
4A – Vedran Krtalic, Canyon Region 3
5A – Stephen Paine, Frisco Wakeland
6A – Ashton Willis, Rockwall-Heath Region 7
5A – Noe Moraida, Harlingen South Region 8
5A – Kristin Cantu, Boerne Champion
Region 1
Boys – 4A – Wesley Kirton, Canyon
Region 3
Boys – 5A – Logan Kelly, Lovejoy
Girls – 6A – Andrew Cook, Flower Mound
Region 5
Boys – 5A – Anthony Branch, A&M Cons.
Girls – 4A – Kris Gilmore, Huffman-Hargrave
Region 7
Girls – 1A – Gary Billingsley, McMullen County
Girls – 5A – Daniel De La Rosa, McAllen
Boys – 1A – Carlton Williams, Nordheim
Boys – 5A – Robert Torres, King
Region 8
Girls – 4A – Dan Aldrich, Fredericksburg
Girls – 5A – Jonathan Tate, Boerne Champion
Girls – 6A – Rachel Freeman, Ronald Reagan
Boys – 6A – Colin Sully, Vandegrift assistant coaches of the
Region 7
Boys – 6A – Edward Ramos, Harlingen
thsca regional Honorees: head coaches of the year
Region 1
3A – Kira Satterfield, River Road
4A – Kaitlyn Cornelius, West Plains
Region 2
3A – Laura Carr, Clyde
Region 3
5A – Natalie Puckett, Lovejoy
Region 6
3A – Kari Sowders, West
5A – Chaka Jackson, Longview
Region 7
5A – Raul Castillo, Sharyland
Region 8
4A – Taylour Toso, Davenport
6A – Monica Gonzales, Harlan assistant coaches of the year
Region 5
6A – Elinor Cowan, Bridgeland
Region 7
5A – Kandi Helle, Sharyland Pioneer
Region 8
6A – Madison Wood, Dripping Springs
Region 1
1A – DJ Howell, Miami HS
2A – Jon Murphy, Stratford HS
3A – Andy Cavalier Canadian HS
4A – Adam Cummings, West Plains HS
5A – Chip Darden, Lubbock Cooper HS
Region 2
1A – Mike Reed, Gordon HS
2A – Denney Faith, Albany HS
5A – Mike Fullen, Abilene HS
Region 3
2A – Jeremy Mullins, Tolar HS
3A – Josh Finney, Winnsboro HS
4A – Seth Parr, Anna HS
6A – Claude Mathis, Desoto HS
Region 4
4A – Fred Staugh, Monahans HS
Region 5
4A – Mike Giles, Needville HS
5A – Jeff Joseph, Port Neches-Groves HS
Region 6
4A – Jeff Riordan, Chapel Hill HS
5A – Kaeron Johnson, University HS
6A – Esrom Martinez, Midway HS
Region 7
3A – Mike Trevino, Lytle HS
4A – J.R Castellano, Alice HS
5A – JC Ramirez, Brownsville Veterans Memorial HS
6A – Roy Stroman, Weslaco HS
Region 8
4A – JD Zimmerhanzel, SA Davenport HS
5A – Larry Hill, Smithson Valley HS
6A – Eddie Salas, NS Harlan HS
Region 1
3A – Shelbie Lopez, Lubbock Roosevelt HS
4A – Brian Ware Sr., Estacado HS
Region 2
1A – Shad Reed, Gordon, HS
2A – Jimmy Fuentes, Albany HS
4A – August Dobraski, Stephenville HS
Region 3
3A – Jordan Gill, Gunter HS
4A – Tommy Edwards, Gilmer HS
5A – Brad McCone, Aledo HS
6A – Aaron Babino, Desoto HS
Region 4
6A – Francisco Maldonado, Midland Legacy HS
Region 5
2A – Trey Thedford, Ganado HS
4A – Blake Waggoner, Hamshire-Fannett HS
5A – Dennis Whitmer, Kingwood Park HS
Region 6
3A – Dustin Sowders, West HS
4A – Jay Dean, Kilgore HS
5A – John Perry, Longview HS
Region 7
5A – Bradley Chavez, Roy Miller HS
6A – Scott Swinnea, Harlingen HS
Region 8
4A – Wesley Lambert, Wimberley HS
5A – Ronnie Molina, SA Southwest HS
6A – Eric De Los Santos, Dripping Springs HS
Early in my coaching career, I was trying to figure out if I should continue to coach in college football or find a way to be with my family more and coach my own children. While coaching at Stephen F. Austin State University, I had the opportunity to work with someone who had just been recently hired at SFA in 2008, had an exclusive background in high school and coaching his kids. He was previously working at Denton Ryan High School, where he had described how great of an experience he had while coaching his sons. In the spring of 2009, my wife and I decided we would begin our high school coaching career at Denton Ryan High School. The good, the bad, and the ugly of coaching my three children will forever be the best life experiences we have had as a family. There are a lot of different coaching styles and techniques in that I will share four tips that were instrumental in helping me be Dad and a Coach.
As parents, we decided that no matter what our children’s experiences were, good, bad, or ugly, it would help them grow into adulthood and prepare them for life. If you never put the whistle down and are constantly coaching, you will miss the boat on the fun you can have together being their coach. Allowing your child to be coached by others and watching them grow was also fun for me as a coach. Seeing them respond to challenges while overcoming problems did so much for their development, and it was fun to see them grow. Balancing how hard to push or not to push is where relationships can be tested positively or negatively; and now imagine the pressures of being a coach’s kid – so keep it fun. Children will do what is fun; and the minute you take the joy out the fun stops.
An example would be after my youngest son’s games, we would watch the game in all video angles and look for bloopers; it was our way of keeping it fun no matter what the outcome of the games was. Focus on coaching fundamentals, coach things that don’t require talent, and make sure you enjoy the ride while having fun! Sports are a small part of our children’s lives, don’t let it become all-consuming and keep things in perspective.
The stresses of managing your family and job have always been challenging, and finding a good work/ life balance is critical to be your best at home and work. Being a coach’s kid is not easy. Your child can miss developing relationships and friendships due to you being a coach in the same school your children attend. The easiest way to build the bridge between players and family is to find ways that integrate your family and players. The quicker you can entrench yourself into the community, your players, and their families, the easier it will be for your children.
An example would be breaking bread with your players and their family. In this setting, you get to see people from a different lens; and you can get to know someone better in a more relaxed family environment, including your children. It is suitable for them to have an adult group to give different perspectives and life lessons to help develop them. The same feelings you build with the players you coach, your children can receive from others. Sitting down while sharing food, laughs, and stories can indirectly lead to much more on the field. Our children feel the security of being a part of something bigger than themselves while being integrated with our entire athletic family.
Your experiences are yours, so let your children have their own. Find out what they are trying to achieve in athletics. Then encourage them, let them make mistakes, learn from them, and support them through the process. All three of my children needed to make their own names and create their individuality. All three have different personalities and learning styles, so I had to learn the old-school way is not necessarily the way. Their dreams and aspirations may differ from yours, and that’s ok.
An example would be relating to my daughter, who played volleyball. Although I am no technical expert in volleyball, I needed to be aware and do my best to have a dialogue with her that was meaningful and beneficial to her. I also needed to understand our generational gaps while being competent in today’s current events to have common interests and dialogue without sounding old. Another example would be the music our kids listen to today is different than the music we listened to back in the day. So let your kids rock to the beat of their drum, and be there for them when needed.
I tell my players, “Listening doesn’t cost you anything, but it can cost you everything if you don’t.” This statement hits hardest when you apply it to yourself. Encouraging your children to speak openly with you and listening to their issues or concerns will always keep the lines of communication open. Define boundaries and what communication in a game setting needs to be, because you want to keep the game on the field and not at home.
An example would be when my oldest son was in his senior year at Denton Ryan, and we played WF Rider in a key district game. He missed a tackle, and I got onto him, and he responded by stating “I got it.” I could tell from his body language he was frustrated, and I knew I needed to let him do his job. I had to listen, let go, and support him. Late in the 4th quarter, he made a critical interception to seal the victory for us. It was an excellent lesson for me as a dad and coach. This special time resonated with me because of how he responded, because I sat back, listened, and was able to just be Dad.
I am a father of three (son, daughter, son) between the ages of 29-18, and each is uniquely different. These four tips were helpful to me while coaching my children and maybe beneficial for you.
Thank you to our 2024 Summit Speakers & Sponsors
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BALFOUR
CHARLES SCHWAB
DALLAS COWBOYS
DELL CHILDREN'S H-E-B
HUDL
NATIONAL CHILD ID PROGRAM
TEXAS FARM BUREAU INSURANCE
COVERAGE A - LIABILITY
Up to $2,000,000 per insured per occurrence/$ 3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees
• Applies in the event a member is alleged to have caused injury or damage to others while performing his/her professional duties
• Errors and omissions insurance for claims for damages arising out of a member ’s duties as a professional educator, including all defense cost Note: The duty of the insurer to defend extends even to groundless, false and frivolous suits and accusations.
Up to $10,000 per insured per occurrence
• The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees in a broad range of situations not included under Coverage A. This includes allegations of criminal and/or sexual misconduct and employment related actions
other professional rights and duties.
or resignation, the matter in dispute must be resolved in favor of the member to qualify for the full reimbursement of $10,000. However, $2,000 of this amount is available for initial consultation and research, whether or not the member prevails, to determine if there exists a reasonable chance of the case being resolved in the member ’s favor.
Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds
COVERAGE A: Up to $2,000,000 per insured per ccurrence/$3,000,000 per occurrence, plus the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees.
COVERAGE B: Up to $10,000 per claim per Insured. Coverage for criminal proceedings and /or sexual misconduct limited to $10,000 aggregate per policy term.
COVERAGE C: Up to $2,000 premium on bail bonds.
COVERAGE FEATURES:
Criminal/Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees up to $10,000 under Coverage B if the educator is acting in the scope of his/her duties.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment is covered under Coverage A (Liability) if administered according to the rules of the jurisdiction in which the school is located.
Outside Activity
As long as the educator is within the scope of his/her professional duties, the policy covers liability for injury to students and others while the educator is conducting visits to industrial and commercial establishments, entertainment automobile, watercraft, & aircraft exclusions
Coverage B
Reimbursement of Attorney Fees - Such reimbursement as is afforded the professional rights and duties is assured under the policy and is not contingent on the approval of a board or review committee, as might be the case where the only available assistance is from a defense fund.
The Texas High School Coaches Association offers a Coaches Professional Liability Insurance option to eligible members with coverage beginning July 1, 2024. The THSCA has chosen the John A. Barclay Agency, Inc. to provide this coverage to our members. This plan was devised to offer liability insurance and legal assistance to THSCA members. In order to be eligible for this coverage you must meet the following criteria:
•
• Your THSCA Membership must be current for the school year in which the coverage is effective – 7/1/24 - 6/30/25
• PROFESSIONAL, AFFLIATE and LIFE members are eligible only if they meet the criteria above. This insurance is not available to STUDENT or RETIRED members.
If you choose to purchase this insurance coverage and do not meet the criteria for eligibility, this coverage will not be valid. This coverage will be in effect July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Insurance purchased after July 1, 2024 will commence on the payment received date. This insurance coverage is not retroactive.
Payment should be made directly to the THSCA. The total 24/25 annual premium for the insurance coverage will be $65.00 per member.
Annual Insurance Premium:
State Taxes and Fees (4.89%)
$ 54.00
$ 2. 4
Association Administrative Fee: $ 8 6
TOTAL 2024/25 Annual Premium: $ 65.00
Checks should be made payable to: THSCA
Mail payment to: THSCA, P.O. Box 1138, San Marcos, TX 78667
DO NOT MAIL PAYMENT to the Barclay Agency
Eligible members will be able to purchase the Coaches Professional Liability Insurance on the THSCA website, or by selecting to purchase the coverage on the THSCA membership application form and submitting
NOTE: In order to be eligible to purchase the coverage your membership must be current for the same year of policy coverage. (7/1/24-6/30/25)
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
Do you have the bility to defend yourself in the event of claim?
Do you have the expertise to he best legal counsel for your situation?
THIS IS NOT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE POLICY BUT A SUMMARY AND IS PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY ALL COVERAGE PROVIDED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE POLICY IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS OR OCCURRENCE IS SUBJECT
EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THE MASTER POLICY ON FILE WITH THE POLICYHOLDER, INCLUDING ALL
THS C A ID # :
DATE OF BI R TH : //
RETIRED FROM EDUCATION
The THSCA membership year will run from July 1st to June 30th of the following year, concurrent with UIL and academic calendars. A portion of every membership fee goes to the THSCEF as an education fee.
P ROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHI P
Shall include all coaches and athletic administrators employed at a school in Texas under the direction of the University Interscholastic League. ($90 after 10/15/2024)
AFFILI ATE MEMBERSHI P
Shall include all coaches and athletic administrators employed at a Private, Parochial,
RETIRED MEMBERSHI P
Shall include all members in good standing of the THSCA, who have completed their coaching career and are no longer employed by an educational institution of any kind.
ST UDENT MEMBERSHI P
1. The first time visiting the new portal you will be required to set up a new password, so select the Forgot your Password? option. Your username will be the email address we have on file for your member account.
2. The system will email a link/verification code for you to verify your account and set-up a new password. (If you have any difficulty remembering the email address you used for account set-up, or you do not receive the verification email to reset your password, please call our THSCA office 512.392.3741 and we can assist you.)
3. Once you have logged in, click on the Round Grey User icon on the top right and select “Update Profile/View My Membership”
4. Select the pencil icon under “My Personal Information” to update your contact data.
5. Under “Communication Preferences” please OPT-IN to receive THSCA Updates & Reminders via email throughout the year.
The THSCA member portal functions as a shopping cart experience. If you would like to pay for multiple things at once, (example: Membership, Coaching School Registration, Liability Insurance, etc.) you will need to add them ALL to your shopping cart before proceeding to check out.
1. Click on the Round Grey User icon on the top right and select “Update Profile/RENEW Membership”
2. Click on the Membership tab, and you should find an option to Renew at the bottom.
3. Be sure that your contact inforamtion and profile settings are correct and then hit the blue Update button to save your changes.
4. Select the appropriate membership type and hit the Next button to proceed.
5. Read the disclaimer information and check the box marked “Above Read.” Also please select an option on your Texas Coach magazine delivery preference. Then click Next.
6. Select any add-ons, including a Political Action Committee Donation, Benevolence Donation or Professional Liability Insurance. Then click Next.
7. You will be prompted with a summary of your selections. When you are satisfied with your selections, choose Add to Cart.
1. Click on the Events tab on the menu at the top and select Browse Events.
2. Select the event you would like to register for:
3. And look for the Register button on the top right.
4. Select the appropriate registration fee and hit the Next button to proceed.
5. Read the disclaimer information and check the box that you understand the terms of registration, then click Next.
6. Select any add-ons you would like (Hall of Honor Ticket(s) or Benevolence Donation) and then click Next.
7. You will be prompted with a summary of your selections. When you are satisfied with your selections, choose Add to Cart.
1. Click on the shopping cart icon to view the summary of selected items to purchase.
2. When you are satisfied with the summary click, CHECK OUT.
3. You should be redirected to the Checkout screen to proceed with credit card payment. Upon completion of the transaction you should IMMEDIATELY receive an emailed, itemized receipt you can turn in to administration for reimbursement if necessary. You no longer have to wait until coaching school to pick up your receipt. If for any reason you do not receive the email, you can always log back into your Member Portal account and print it from your account history.
You should also recieve an email confirming registration for Coaching School if you have registered for that event. (Please remember that THSCA membership for the year and Coaching School registration are TWO SEPARATE fees.)
After you have completed check-out in the member portal you will be prompted to update your profile information. Please make sure we have the correct contact information for you and that your communication preferences are set-up so you can receive THSCA Updates & Reminders emails.
If you need to update the school you are affiliated with in your profile please email your name, THSCA ID number and new school affiliation to info@thsca.com so we can correct it for you.
$70
Student - $30
COACHING SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEES
pre-registration - $60 (Before June 1st)
LATE Registration - $75 (Between 6/2-7/1)
onsite Registration - $90 (7/21 or 7/22 Only)
Planning for the 2024 Coaching School & Convention in San Antonio and we are excited to host all our Texas coaches! We want to provide you with some details & updates and what to expect for 2024!
» REGISTRATION The price for Coaching School registration will be the same as last year. Please make note of the registration deadlines to afford our staff time to get registrations processed before the event.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES/COST:
MARCH 1 - JUNE 1 - $60 PER COACH
JUNE 2 - JULY 1 - $75 PER COACH
ONSITE AT CONVENTION - $90 PER COACH
(Please note convention registration fees are separate from the annual membership fee. Membership fee/renewal is a separate $70 fee.)
Registering a group of coaches with a school payment? You can now find a Registration Checklist & a Registration Payment Cover Sheet under the "Downloads" tab on our THSCA website. www.thsca.com/downloads
» TRANSFERS & REFUNDS The deadline to request a refund or transfer of payment for a Coaching School registration will be July 1st. If you are paying with a school check and still need to hire a coach, you may send in the registration fee with the rest of your staff and make a note that you would like us to store it in our system as open credit on your school's account until you are able to hire that person.
» THSCA MEETINGS AT COACHING SCHOOL Regional meetings will be on Monday afternoon, from 3:45-5:00 PM as the final agenda item to finish out the day. The THSCA general meeting will still be held on Tuesday morning at 11:30 AM, and we will vote on the THSCA President-Elect nominees.
» HALL OF HONOR We will celebrate all of our Hall of Honor Class of 2024 Inductees (Lee Bridges, Ken Cook, Chris Koetting, Mel Maxfield & Jack Murphy), our State Champion coaches, and our esteemed award winners at the Hall of Honor Banquet. This banquet will kick off our Coaching School schedule on Saturday, July 20th at 7:00 PM in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Stars at Night Ballroom on the third floor. Tickets will be available for purchase in advance only.
» WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 2024 COACHING SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEE:
► IN-PERSON ACCESS to LIVE Demos, Sport Lectures & Professional Development Lectures
► IN-PERSON ACCESS to Exhibit Show and Sponsored Networking Events
► IN-PERSON ACCESS to THSCA Regional Meetings & General Meeting, including your OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE OR BE NOMINATED in our 2024 THSCA elections.
► IN-PERSON OPTION to print/laminate your THSCA membership card for upcoming year.
► Email Certificate of Participation for Continuing Education Hours to provide to your School. (Only available to those who attend the convention in-person and pick up their packet onsite.)
Booking for the THSCA housing block and updates on hotel availability and parking are only accessible on our website at:
www.thsca.com/hotels
Online booking will require a credit card in order to secure the room, however the card will not be charged until you check-in or 72 hours before arrival. THE DEADLINE FOR BOOKING AT THE DISCOUNTED RATE WILL BE JULY 1ST.
Cancellations made after June 1, 2024, and 72 hours prior to arrival date will be charged a $50.00 cancellation fee per room. Continue to use Orchid.Events for all changes and cancellations through July 1, 2024. After July 1, 2024, cancellations must be directed to your assigned hotel at least 72 hours prior to arrival or a one night’s room and tax charge will be assessed by the hotel.
Please note the following fee is not included in room rates: 1.25% Tourism Public Improvement District (PID) Fee. Room rates and PID fees are subject to 16.75% Hotel Tax per Night. (Subject to change) Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency have additional state cost recovery fees that will be added to the rate. *Additional fees may apply for 3rd or 4th person in room: If a rollaway bed is required.*
Orchid.Events is the ONLY THSCA designated housing provider for the 2024 THSCA Convention & Coaching School. Beware of other companies misrepresenting themselves as affiliated with THSCA.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
8:30 AM New Board Member Indoctrination
1:00 PM THSCA Board Meeting
7:00 PM Hall of Honor Banquet HBGCC Stars at Night Ballroom
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SUNDAY, JULY 21
Registration Open THSCA Office & Help Desk Exhibits Open LIVE Turf & Court Demonstrations
10:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
11:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
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11:30 AM - 1:00 PM GENERAL MEETING
Check out some of our confirmed 2024 Coaching School speakers:
Cross Country speakers:
wesley kirton, canyon hs
Football - Turf Demos:
Albany HS
Aledo HS
Anna HS
Desoto HS
Doug Conrey - TX Long Snapping
Duncanville HS
Gilmer HS
Gunter HS
Malakoff HS
Timpson HS
Football - Lecture hall:
Angelo State
Baylor
HArdin-Simmons
North Texas
Rice
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SMU
TArleton State
TCU
Texas A&M
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Texas Tech
University of Houston
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Texas
UTEP
UTPB
UTSA
Volleyball Speakers:
Dani Bosboom Kelly- University of Louisville
- Sponsored by Sports Imports
Haley Eckerman- Kent State University
- Sponsored by AVCA
Jamie Gill- Pearland HS
Monica Gonzales- Harlan HS
Leslie Jackson- Southlake Carroll HS
Ryan McGuyre- Baylor University
Joe Morales- A&M Commerce
Jacob Thompson- Rouse HS
Taylour Toso- Davenport HS
University of Houston Staff
University of Texas Staff
Casey Veen- Barbers Hill HS
Toree Winchell- Gunter HS
coaching philosophies, work routines, and the daily demands of our profession.
Recently, I've noted a distinct disparity in how young and veteran coaches perceive the profession. While both groups share a commitment to the program and the well-being of the athletes, clashes often arise due to differing teaching methods and philosophies. Recognizing this, I felt compelled to explore ways to harmonize these distinct perspectives for the benefit of our programs and the children they serve.
As a veteran coach, I embarked on a journey to identify the specific differences that create friction between generations. Interestingly, I discovered that the variances seldom revolve around X's and O's, the desire to win, or a shared commitment to hard work. Instead, disparities emerge in how we structure our day-to-day routines and deliver instruction.
The coaching landscape of the 1980s and 1990s, with its reliance on reel-to-reel film, VHS tapes, and manual field maintenance, is vastly different from the technologically advanced and society-driven approaches we see today. It's crucial for veteran coaches to acknowledge that newer generations haven't experienced the challenges of the past and adapt their expectations accordingly.
Once the differences are recognized, it becomes the responsibility of veteran coaches to facilitate a connection. Effective communication becomes the linchpin for progress. Initiating face-to-face meetings with younger coaches, I delve into discussions about coaching philosophy, seeking common ground amid diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Adhering to the age-old wisdom, "You have two ears and one mouth for a reason," I emphasize the importance of active listening. Acknowledging the need for clear expectations and two-way communication, I advocate for recognizing and crediting the contributions of younger coaches. Simultaneously, it is the veteran coach's duty to provide valuable advice and guidance when necessary, fostering a mentorship dynamic.
During my experience this fall season, working with a diverse coaching staff spanning various experience levels, I witnessed the success of this approach. Through open communication, patience, and a shared commitment to professionalism, our staff seamlessly integrated the wisdom of veterans with the innovative ideas of the younger generation.
In the end, the fall football season of 2023 reinforced my belief that old-school coaches and those of the younger generation can collaborate effectively when prioritizing the success of the program and its athletes. While I cherish the traditional coaching mentality passed down by my mentors, I equally appreciate the evolving and innovative ideas shaping today's game. Ultimately, our shared goal is to achieve success, regardless of the generational gap that may exist.
Largest
By: Ryan Gall, MS, LAT, ATC
The thought of our young athletes being televised in the Super Bowl or MLB World Series is an easy motivator to fast track children into a singular sport. It seems logical that the first sport they excel in and enjoy should become their primary athletic focus. However, through evidence based research, early sport specialization may place children at a higher risk for injury, burnout, and delayed motor development.
The definition of early sports specialization (ESS) is somewhat varied between sources, however; Jayanthi et al. (2019) found three commonalities between researchers’ descriptions: “(1) choosing a main sport, (2) quitting all other sports to focus on one sport, and (3) year-round training (+8 months/ year)”. This describes the experience of many athletes who participate in both school and private club sports. Often the end of the school season coincides with the beginning of the club season;
resulting in inadequate athletic rest. Free time, or time spent playing other sports, is often eaten up by practice, private lessons, games, and other sport related activities. The athlete’s life begins revolving around a singular sport/activity.
Most studies pertaining to ESS focus on throwing sports; namely baseball. This is due to the growing popularity of early year-round play, biomechanical stresses to the shoulder/elbow, and intensive practice/game schedules. Correlating with the increasing number of young specialized baseball athletes is the increasing prevalence of youth UCL reconstructions (elbow ligament surgery often performed on high-level pitchers). One study found an increase in UCL reconstructions of 343% between 2003 and 2014 with the majority of the surgeries being performed on athletes ages 15-19 (Zaremski et al. 2019). With ever-rising expectations of skeletally immature youth athletes, one can
only expect to see a rise in acute, possibly season/ career-ending, injuries.
Although these acute injuries are tragic, overuse injuries are the most common, and preventable, consequence of ESS. Development of overuse injuries are often predictable and come with warning.The demanding schedule of school and private club sports leaves early specialized athletes lacking the necessary rest and recovery needed to treat and prevent overuse injuries. In the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s (NATA) Position Statement: Prevention of Pediatric Overuse Injuries, participation in multiple baseball leagues, high pitch count, and continuing to pitch with arm fatigue were found to increase the risk of developing overuse injuries (McLeod et al. 2011). Repetitive submaximal loading (i.e. pitching, running, swimming, etc.) causes microtrauma in tissues required to perform the desired movement. Without proper rest and maintenance, microtrauma has the potential to build into participationpreventing overuse injuries, or worse, tragic acute injuries such as UCL ruptures or avulsion fractures. A common early indication of an overuse injury is intense, localized, slow-to-recover soreness/ pain with movement. Monitoring the total athletic participation of an athlete each given week can be used to prevent the development of overuse injuries.
Youth sports are meant to promote healthy exercise, socialization, and most importantly fun! Fun is the most commonly reported reason for entering youth sports (Bell et al. 2019). However, with ESS, playing a sport for fun (free play) easily slips into professionalization. By the age of 13, 70% of children discontinue playing sports (Bell et al. 2019). At this age, high-cost, high-performing private clubs place pressure on children to specialize in sports. Whether it be requirements such as needing to play in the fall to play in the spring, or year-long intensive practice/game schedules, young athletes around the age of 13 can no longer “sport sample” (Bell et al. 2019). These pressures impede motor development that occurs when playing multiple sports. For example, a multisport athlete that participates in baseball and basketball may excel in baseball due to the agility developed in basketball. In turn, they may excel in basketball due to the upper extremity strength and dexterity developed in baseball. By allowing children to participate in a wide variety of sports, they become more well rounded athletes. Pigeonholing children to one sport prevents their motor development.
Pressures to specialize do not only produce physical consequences, but induce emotional consequences as well. With professionalization, expectations of coaches, teammates, and parents often exceed the emotional maturity of these young athletes. They begin to primarily identify, not as a child, student, or son/daughter, but as an athlete. While this may provide benefits in competition, young athletes that have a high “athletic identity” begin to prioritize sport over academics, socialization, and their own health (Hunt et al. 2022). Overtime, this takes an emotional toll on the young athlete. Athletes that undergo ESS have higher rates of burnout compared to athletes that play multiple sports (Giusti et al. 2020). Burnout is defined as, “emotional/physical exhaustion, sport devaluation, and reduced sense of accomplishment” (Giusti et al. 2020). This is distressing for an athletically identifying athlete as their emotional/physical exhaustion prevents them from maintaining high athletic performance in
the sector of their life they deem most important. Without intervention, young athletes begin to drop out of sport, exposing their lack of well-rounded personal development. For some athletes, this transition out of sport mimics grief (Hunt et al. 2022). By encouraging sport sampling and nonathletic personal development, young athletes can sustain a passion for sport while also preventing a high athletic identity.
Although possible consequences of ESS have been identified, they are only a possibility and many organizations have already put guidelines/ regulations in place protecting young athletes. In 2016, the National Federation of State High School Associations required states to develop pitching guidelines to prevent injury through over-pitching (Zaremski et al. 2019). Organizations such as the NATA and American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended 3 non-consecutive months off; each lasting 1 month (Jayanthi et al. 2019). Even the MLB has published guidelines for youth pitch counts and associated rest periods (Pitch Smart | Guidelines | MLB.com, n.d.). These same organizations have also recognized the benefit of sport sampling. Not only for the motor development aspect, but also the active rest a young athlete receives from playing an upper body sport and a lower body sport with alternating seasons. Allowing a child that wants to play sports to try and learn multiple sports before settling on their favorite produces the best long term results.
Using these guidelines, young athletes can safely enjoy sports, even if they are already specialized. However, these guidelines require athletes, parents, and coaches to monitor the totality of their athletes’ activity. Pitch counts do not reset when getting off one field to go onto another. Fatigue can quickly lead to injury when going straight from school practice to club practice. Extreme pressures to perform and win are not healthy for impressionable children. Exorbitant time doing athletic activity limits the ability for children to attend playdates, birthday parties, and other common childhood experiences. The research has
been done to promote a healthy relationship with sport, however; the input from adults is needed to foster that relationship.
Bell, D. R., DiStefano, L. J., Pandya, N. K., & McGuine, T. A. (2019). The public health consequences of sport specialization. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(10), 1013–1020. https://doi.org/10.4085/10626050-521-18
Giusti, N. E., Carder, S. L., Vopat, L., Baker, J., Tarakemeh, A., Vopat, B. G., & Mulcahey, M. K. (2020). Comparing Burnout in Sport-Specializing versus Sport-Sampling Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic review and Meta-analysis. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 8(3), 232596712090757. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967120907579
Hunt, T. H., Roberts, K. R., Kuhlman, K. K., & Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. (2022). Athletic Identity and Youth Sports Resource Page. American College of Sports Medicine. Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.acsm.org/docs/defaultsource/nyshsi_resources/resources/nyshsi-athletic-identity. pdf?sfvrsn=454366b4_2#:~:text=One%20identity%20that%20 can%20arise,a%20variety%20of%20different%20ways.
Jayanthi, N., Post, E. G., Laury, T. C., & Fabricant, P. D. (2019). Health consequences of youth sport specialization. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(10), 1040–1049. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050380-18
McLeod, T. C. V., Decoster, L. C., Loud, K. J., Micheli, L. J., Parker, J., Sandrey, M. A., & White, C. (2011). National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Prevention of Pediatric Overuse Injuries. Journal of Athletic Training, 46(2), 206–220. https://doi. org/10.4085/1062-6050-46.2.206
Pitch Smart | Guidelines | MLB.com. (n.d.). MLB.com. https://www. mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines
Zaremski, J. L., Zeppieri, G., & Tripp, B. L. (2019). Sport Specialization and Overuse injuries in adolescent throwing Athletes: A Narrative review. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(10), 1030–1039. https://doi. org/10.4085/1062-6050-333-18
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By: David Annen, Lehman High School, Head Swim and Water Polo Coach
In the world of sports, few endeavors are as exciting and challenging as building a team from scratch. Assembling a group of individuals, teaching them a game, and molding them into a team takes more than just a pool and a ball. It requires meticulous planning and a series of steps to create a team that can compete in the pool—and succeed together.
In the summer of 2021, my high school’s athletic coordinator asked me to start a boys’ and girls’ water polo team in preparation for the new UIL season starting in the fall of 2022. He thought I’d be the logical choice to take on this task since I was already the school’s new head swim coach. I enthusiastically agreed, but my excitement was mixed with uncertainty. I had never started a team from the ground up and wasn’t even sure it could be done. So, the first thing I did was sit down at the kitchen table and create a to-do list.
First, I had to make sure there was a foundation. I knew we could use the YMCA pool, and a few swim athletes were interested in playing water polo. I had the support of the high school athletic department as well as an assistant swim coach who would also assist with water polo, but neither one of us had any water polo experience.
I had to take the time to literally dive in and learn the game. I researched the game, watched countless hours of Olympic games on YouTube, and learned the rule book. I attended officials’ clinics to learn that side of the game and sat in the stands at a couple of local tournaments to watch and learn. I talked to several area club coaches and soaked up their knowledge like a sponge. Once I felt comfortable enough with a solid base of knowledge, the athletes had to come next. But how could we advertise this new team we were creating?
The recruitment of athletes for a new and unfamiliar sport would be a challenge. The students at the school were likely as unaware of this sport as me. Club water polo is not huge in the community, nor are the resources. The challenge was to get these kids excited about a sport no one had ever heard of—much less seen in person. Social media was key to sharing information about this new sport, along with hanging flyers and posters in the hallways. I had an informational session in the school library and showed video highlights. My goal was to attract off-season athletes who wanted to stay in shape and learn a cool new game. I cast a wide net in search of football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and wrestling athletes who may be interested. I was blown away by the huge number of students who attended this informational session. They were eager, energetic, and excited to give water polo a try. A couple of weeks later, tryouts happened with all of my swim athletes in attendance as well as about 30 other students. I was so happy with the turnout. A couple of my swim athletes who played for a local club helped run tryouts. We taught the students how to egg beat, pass, catch and shoot the ball. At the end of the two days, we had 15 girls and 15 boys, as well as a couple of alternates- enough to field both a boys’ and girls’ team.
I knew I had to develop a daily practice plan to help the athletes learn the fundamentals of the game. I invited a local representative from USA Water Polo I had met during my research to observe a practice and hold a water polo 101 clinic. Together, we progressed each practice as we worked on basic fundamentals like passing, catching, and shooting, along with developing offense and defense strategies through purposeful drills. The athletes were comfortable in the water, but we also had to get them in “swim shape” by improving their skills and endurance.
We also conducted walk-throughs on an empty basketball court. This is a wonderful teaching environment to go through the motions out of the water. We talked about game situations, where to be and why, set up specific scenarios, and asked, “What would you do?” This was key in helping the athletes learn and understand the game in a controlled setting. Once I was comfortable enough, we started to have scrimmages against other new teams in our district.
One of the exciting things about starting a team from scratch is that you get to establish the team’s brand, culture, and core values. As the leader and coach, you set the tone and expectations. I believe a team needs to feel like a family. I also believe in the importance of establishing core values, but I also wanted to have the players take ownership in creating them. We had a team meeting one afternoon and spoke on core values and why they are important to the success of an organization. After a lengthy discussion, the athletes decided on five: CHARACTER, PRIDE, RESPONSIBILITY, COMMITMENT, and RESPECT.
But it didn’t stop there—building and maintaining your brand is an ongoing process. We used classroom time and the 2Words curriculum to help instill our values. Winning games is important, but we also wanted to develop these student-athletes into well-rounded, mature, and respectful young adults.
With well-defined team goals in place, we also focused on advertising and marketing our team. We
knew that would make it easier to attract more players and generate excitement about the team. We created team social media accounts to push out information about upcoming games and tournaments. We also designed a team logo and incorporated that into all social media posts.
We realized that to operate a successful new team, we needed money to buy equipment and uniforms, pay tournament entry fees, and feed the players. School budgets are a start, but fundraisers are also important. We partnered with Snap! Raise to raise $7,000. We also hosted a community 5K fun run and partnered with local businesses and sponsors to help us with exposure. The kids had a great time, and we got the community excited about this new program. We were also able to raise money through donations, sponsorships, and selling team merchandise.
Chemistry is the secret ingredient that turns a group of individuals into a team. We organized teambuilding events, both in and out of the water. We traveled to a ropes course and challenged the athletes. We also had fun in the pool, organizing goofy, fun relays. We balanced those impromptu moments with planned social events and team meals that helped foster a supportive and cooperative atmosphere in and out of the pool.
With a new and inexperienced team, it was important to set realistic goals. We celebrated our small successes and individual achievements. It was important to teach these athletes a new game but also encourage them to enjoy the journey. I took a lot of pride in seeing the team that I built compete in the pool. We entered area tournaments in Round Rock, Waco, and Alamo Heights to get our first taste of competition. I knew it would be important to play against other school clubs because it gives you a chance to evaluate the team’s strengths and areas for improvement. It also creates exposure for the team and helps build players’ confidence to compete in meaningful games. I also kept the game ball from the girls’ and boys’ first victory. It is proudly displayed in the school’s trophy case.
To be successful, you must maintain a growth mindset and be willing to learn. As a coach, you have to constantly assess the team’s strengths and areas of improvement. Tweaking lineups, changing sub rotations, and developing game strategies helped me evolve as my knowledge of the game and experience increased. My assistants and I had the opportunity to attend a coaching clinic sponsored by USA Water Polo. This was a great experience as we learned from members of Team USA coaching staff as well as several Division I coaches. My approach to the game changed so much after that clinic, and I brought back many lessons learned to the team. From these high-level coaches, I learned how to better prepare and manage a practice, institute different training methods and coaching philosophies, and try out in-game strategies.
I’ve learned so much about the game of water polo—and about myself—through this process. It’s important to celebrate the small successes and embrace the journey. Acknowledge everyone’s hard work and dedication and take pride in watching the team you built from scratch grow and develop in the pool. A passionate coach can have a lasting impact on an athlete, and with meticulous planning and a commitment to growth, it’s possible to transform a group of aspiring individuals and mold them into a successful water polo team.
