What is your favorite part of being a high school coach?

Being able to teach and coach the kids life long lessons.

How has COVID-19 affected the way you coach?

Thankfully golf is outside and has minimal restrictions, so not so much.

What have you learned from your time coaching?

The longer I coach, my more I realize there is more to the game besides winning. I am extremely competitive and my coaching style early on reflected that...I was very intense....now I realize I want to make it more fun for my players and still be competitive.

What are a few skills you have developed or refined while coaching?

  • Listening skills
  • Motivational skills
  • Empathy

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a coach?

Be yourself. Don't copy or mimic someone else's style..be authentic... be you. Pay attention to the little details...they can make a huge difference in your program. Be your team's number one fan. Believe in them and support them. Your team should know how much you back them.

Why did you become a coach?

I became a coach because I loved coaching the whole athlete...not just the skills or the game knowledge.

What value/idea is most important to you as a coach?

Integrity and tenacity.

Did you play any sports in high school, if so, how has that impacted your coaching techniques today?

I was a four sport athlete all four years in high school. Looking back at my experience as an athlete, I really don't remember any coaching tips or X's and O's that would make my basketball team, my softball players or golfers perform better. What I do remember is the positive relationship I had with my coaches. I want my players to be able to look back and remember the highlights and the awesome experience of high school athletics.

- Spotlight written by Amanda Burghduff, Waukee APEX Associate

IGHSAU Coach Spotlights are created by high school students in Waukee High School's APEX program. The IGHSAU is thankful for its partnership with Waukee APEX to create meaningful content to share with our member schools, student-athletes, coaches, and fans. To learn more about Waukee APEX, click here.