Up2Us Sports firmly believes that every child deserves a dedicated coach, someone who never gives up on them and propels them to reach their full potential. Each year in November and December, we run our #ThanksCoach year end appeal campaign to raise critical funds to support our programs and maximize our efforts to achieve our mission and give more kids a coach in their corner.
As we close out 2023, we spoke with some of our coaches about what is most rewarding about being a coach, what made them want to become a coach, and who they want to say #ThanksCoach to.
Coach Anthony, Kids in the Game, New York, NY
● What made you want to start coaching?
The answer is pretty simple, I wanted to give back to the community. Growing up I didn't have access to mentors. I wanted to be the type of coach kids can actually look up to and be the beacon of their success.
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?
Honestly the most rewarding part of being a coach is being able to create that bond with the students. Being able to build community. It also allows me to be a realistic role model they can look up to in time of need.
Coach Garyion, Langston Hughes Academy, New Orleans, LA
● What made you want to start coaching?
I used to play sports in middle and high school and really enjoyed it. Two coaches played a huge role in that: Coach Nunnery and Coach Allen Lewis (McDonogh 35 High School Basketball Coach) both had a positive impact on me and made me want to pursue coaching.
Coach Sanaa, ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Academy, New Orleans, LA
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?
The most rewarding part about being a coach is the students. I am glad to be a part of their learning process. I love to see them succeed and reach their goals. I like teaching them new things and also learning from them. I will forever be grateful for this experience.
Coach Johnasia, Carrie P. Meek/Westview K-8 Center, Miami, FL
● Do you have a former coach that you want to say #ThanksCoach to?
I would like to thank Coach Melissa for her perseverance, and hard work for all the years she’s pushed me to become a better person and thanks to you I became a coach!
Coach Jayden, Friends of Baseball, Portland, OR
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?
In my role as a coach-mentor, I've improved my leadership abilities, developed strong communication skills, and gained valuable insights into various perspectives. This experience has been instrumental in fostering growth and creating a positive, adaptable environment for those I’ve guided.
Coach Hayley, Miami Marlins Foundation, Miami, FL
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?
The most rewarding part about being a coach is the ability to better one of my kids’ days. Regardless of what happened at home or school, being able to coach these kids allows them to have an outlet or safe space where they don’t need to worry about anything else. It is very heartwarming to see their progress and improvement through each practice and know that my coaching helped get them there.
● Do you have a former coach that you want to say #ThanksCoach to?
My former softball coach, Spencer Hall, is someone I would like to say #ThanksCoach to. I would not be the athlete or person that I am today without him. From the valuable life lessons and all of the time spent on the softball field with our team, he will always be someone that I will look up to and aspire to be.
Coach Katlyn, DC Girls Baseball, Washington, DC
● What made you want to start coaching?
I have been in sports for as long as I can remember. Despite countless instabilities going on around me growing up, I could always count on sports to be my rock: a safe space where I felt like a vital part of a family. A facilitator of that family were my coaches. They acted as the glue that brought us together, and cheered me on beyond the field. They cared for me and urged me to keep going because they believed in me, even when it was hard to believe in myself. I wanted to be that for girls like me, and through coaching I have been able to be someone in my players’ corner – just how my coaches were to me.
Coach Phil, Youth Mentoring Partnership, Philadelphia, PA
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?
The most rewarding aspect of being a coach is establishing positive relationships with student- athletes which allows me to make a positive impact on their lives. Prior to coming to Youth Mentoring Partnership, I coached high school and college track and cross country and one of my favorite parts of the job was when alumni would return, or I’d get a wedding invitation. I even had former athletes’ graduate college and then join my recreational sports teams!
Coach Diamond, North County K-8 Center, Miami, FL
● What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?
The most rewarding part about being a sports coach is witnessing the positive impact it has on the community and student character development, as it instills teamwork, discipline, and a sense of belonging in young athletes. Being a coach is rewarding because it not only affects the individuals I guide but also enriches my personal life through relationship-building, leadership development, and the creation of unforgettable experiences.
