Why I Coach a Sports Team
What got you into coaching?
Having played sport my entire schooling years and adult life, it was a natural progression for me to start coaching. There have been many talented sporting coaches that I have had in my lifetime, through multiple sports, that have spoken words of encouragement over me and modelled true courage and leadership on a sports field. My coaches helped me stretch my belief in my abilities and shift my mental strength and I want to be able to influence others in this same way.
Growing up, my brother and I used to get involved in every sporting activity possible. We were brought up in a very competitive household and our father was part of the first ever, Transvaal (the old Gauteng, South Africa) Hockey side, so the thrill of being part of a sports team and excelling, is in our blood. Hockey took the no.1 seat for us both and since then I figured; ‘What could be more pleasing than sharing my knowledge and passion for a game that I love!’
Coaching is such an incredible way to get to know students on a completely different level. I love seeing students connecting with others outside of the classroom environment and forming friendships across year levels. It is a passion of mine to see character being built in each player and teamwork coming to life on a sports field. It brings me great pleasure to see students thrive on a sports field and watch their overall confidence grow as they discover their sporting potential and contribution to a team. Team building could possibly be the single most important element of raising a team that can be considered ‘a force to be reckoned with’, developing good chemistry between players off the field develops trust and communication needed to carry any team through pressured situations on the field - come win or lose - with a positive attitude, unity and something learnt.
The thing I love the most about being a coach for a KingsWay team, is listening to the girls share their testimonies around personal growth, friendship and how allowing themselves to be vulnerable with their teammates has allowed them to grow as an individual and given them confidence to try new skills. Being vulnerable has helped them to develop a teachable spirit within the team, accepting advice from all players. As a coach there is an indescribable pride that overwhelms you when you get to the end of a game and your team are closing off in prayer by praying over the other team and giving God thanks and the glory for every opportunity to play hockey.
Coaching is about bringing people together, students and families. The connection you develop on the sports field filters down into your schooling environment and creates friendships for life. Sport stretches the players both physically and mentally, it teaches them skills that can be applied in all life situations and as a coach, I have the privilege of speaking into the decision making and development of these skills.
It is an honour to watch my Hockey girls grow in their belief and confidence in their abilities, watching them beginning to live out and understand that perseverance, repetition and a positive mindset all work together. As a coach I love to see students recognise this, rise to the challenge and be the best contributor they can be to their teammates on and off the field. To understand that it is ok to not always be at your best and win, but rather when we are, use it to play well and build up those around you. It is important for me to coach a school team as it brings me such joy, it is inherently part of who I am.
“The interesting thing about coaching is that you have to trouble the comfortable, and comfort the troubled.” – Ric Charlesworth, Australian Hockey Player & Coach
Marion Robinson
Year 8 Teacher