Coach
I remember feeling weird at my first real coaching job because athletes called me “coach” from day one. Well, I know, what else would they have called me? But it felt weird to me because I didn’t think I deserved to be called, “Coach.” Not yet, at least.
Today anyone can be a coach. We toss that word onto anyone who signs up for the gig, as if it’s as as easy to earn as a free shirt that is included in your event bag. To me, wearing the title Coach is a privilege and an honor: Coach Asch, Coach Alana, Coach Double A, Coach A $wagg, Coach Aschole. It’s all my pleasure, really.
The word comes from back in the day. Geographically, a coach would take someone from where they were to where they wanted to be, like a horse-and-buggy. Today, that word has evolved into a coach taking an athlete, a team, a mentee, etc. from where they are to where they want to be. As your coach, I will make it my duty take you even further than that. For instance, don’t think you can do a pull-up? Think again.
Somedays I think I’m the worst coach in the world, like I still don’t even deserve the title “coach.” Other days I think I am the best coach in the world, and wonder why more people haven’t caught on to that yet. Realistically, I’m probably somewhere in between.
Regardless, being a coach brings me fulfillment. I recently became a teacher. I have always respected and have had a lot of appreciation for teachers. This experience has only made that grow. But to me, for some reason, being called a teacher does not ring in my ears or resonate with my soul as much as being a coach does. That being said, I understand how similar they are.
In fact, in Joe Ehrmann’s book, Inside Out Coaching, he talks about the term teacher-coach. Transformational coaches are teacher-coaches. They coach while teaching their athletes sport skills as well as life skills. As coaches we have the chance to have a powerful impact on our athletes. Our impact can be positive or negative. In other words, with great power comes with great responsibility.
So, what is the point of this article other than my rambling thoughts? The point is, to all my past, present, and future athletes, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be your Coach. It is an absolute honor.
If you are located in Central NJ and interested in allowing me the opportunity to be your strength and conditioning coach, please use the form to get in touch with me.
If you are not located in Central NJ, and still interested in allowing me the opportunity to be your strength and conditioning coach, please use the form to ask me about my remote options.
If you are a coach who also does not take that word or responsibility lightly, please use the form to ask about my artistic skillset that includes graphics and video editing.
