Keeping An Open Mind

Coaching has always been something I’ve wanted to pursue after my collegiate playing career. As a player throughout my life, I gained not only knowledge of the sport, but worked with a variety of different coaching styles. All of these coaches had one thing in common and that was to help me become the best version of myself. The sport of volleyball gave so much to me, and I wanted to return the favor by getting into coaching. Playing at a high level gave me an opportunity and the knowledge to coach at a high level. To coach at the collegiate level, I knew I wanted to further my education by going into the Masters in Education, Sports Coaching, and Leadership program. 

 Entering into the Masters of Arts Education (MAED) program was a step I never intended to take because of the challenges I had faced in undergrad. Once I was accepted, I knew I’d be up for the challenge. As a former collegiate athlete, I knew I needed to go into the program with a set of goals in mind. Before my first semester, I wanted to make sure I went the extra mile in the classroom, push myself outside my comfort zone,  and continue to grow as a coach. 

 Heading into the program, I felt confident in my coaching abilities because my playing career had prepared me for everything, so I thought. The program pushed me outside of my comfort zone and continued to make me question if I was going the right way about coaching my techniques. I can be someone who is stubborn and stuck in their ways, understanding the importance of positive youth development opened my eyes. As each semester progressed I continued to keep an open mind on the new coaching techniques I was learning. 

Heading into my final semester in the MAED program my goals have continued to grow and change. In order for myself to grow as a coach, I needed to expand my knowledge of how athletes are wired. Keeping an open mind in the classroom was a new goal I strived to achieve. Each new course pushed me outside of my comfort zone and I continued to follow through by going the extra mile to gain further insight into my athletes.

 Throughout each semester my goals continued to grow and change, without this growth I wouldn’t be the coach I am today. I strive to push my athletes on a regular basis continuing to help them accomplish their goals. The MAED program did the same thing for me, it pushed me to be the best version of myself. I am confident leaving the program after this semester knowing I am equipped with tools to provide athletes with not only the knowledge of the game but an understanding of how to help them become the best person.