Aragon is home to many athletes that have decided to spend their time getting involved with coaching younger children at clubs. Although it may seem somewhat exhausting for students to juggle both school work, their own athletics and coaching, these youth coaches are still able to have a fun time on and off the court as a player and a coach.
Youth coaches have a handful of responsibilities, from creating drills to teaching the correct fundamentals — ultimately becoming a great role model for kids.
“I make sure the kids are learning the right skills and are having fun while playing the sport,” said sophomore basketball coach Jordan Beaumont. “Seeing the kids having a good time on the court and communicating with each other in a positive way is very fulfilling.”
The best feeling most coaches get is when they see kids who were once struggling blossom into better and harder-working players under their guidance.
“Seeing the improvements some of the kids make through the drills I set up and how happy both their parents and themselves are when they finally make that big play and knowing I had something to do with that is super special,” said senior basketball coach Ryan Victor. “The connections you make with the kids and seeing how excited they are when they see me walking up before our practices and games are very rewarding.”
Being a youth coach holds many responsibilities; one of the largest difficulties being engaging and supervising the kids as some don’t quite understand the importance of the drills, while others just choose to mess around.
“I wouldn’t say there [aren’t] any drawbacks but you just have to be very patient,” Beaumont said. “The kids might not be able to understand what you are trying to teach them right away and everyone has a different way of learning new skills.”
Despite these obstacles, youth coaches are dedicated to their team during games and practices and spend a lot of time formulating strategies and thinking of ways to help players.
“When I’m at the games and practices I focus on the team the entire time,” Victor said. “Outside of the games, I would say I would spend a little under an hour thinking of plays and drills that would most benefit the age group I am coaching.”
Coaching has changed many perspectives as well as helped student coaches teach kids the importance of safety and sportsmanship.
“Being a youth coach hasn’t really changed my outlook on my sports, but it has created a new appreciation for my coaches after realizing how hard it is to come up with plays and teach the right skills to help your team succeed to the best of their ability,” Victor said. “Since I’m using variations of drills I’ve done in the past, I’m not trying something new.”
Due to their lengthy experience in the field, youth coaches are able to take inspiration from their former training and work in athletics, ensuring and helping students better interact and support each other.
The current students that are involved in sports have the opportunity and the skills to guide the next generation to succeed in the field of sports, but it is their choice whether or not to seize it – and these choices have the ability to change the fate of our youth.
