Many people believe that coaches may be scary and intimidating, but not my pom coach. She is always there to help us improve and be our friend.

In an article titled “Having Positive Role Models in Youth Impacts Career and Life” Cameron O’Brien of the Youth Coaching Institute said “81% [of youth] say their role model motivated them to achieve great things.”

My coach has done just that, by motivating me at practice to be a better pommer. Both inside and outside of practice she helps me be a better person. 

She makes me realize why I do my sport and why I love it. The definition of a coach is an individual who trains and instructs athletes and teams to improve their physical performance. My coach does exactly that. She strives to make us better- both as people and as athletes. 

In an article titled “The Role of the Sports Coach in Developing Athlete Capacity for Transition to Retirement” author Shane Pill of The Semantics Scholars states, “an athlete-centered coaching philosophy is thus one of empowerment. It is also known as a humanistic approach addressing an athlete’s physical, social-emotional, cognitive and cultural learning needs.”

My pom coach believes in me. When she believes in me, it leads me to believe in myself and the team around me. I am often around my team for hours on end when in-season, whether that’s at practices, competitions, or team bonding events. The bond created not only as a team, but also as a family, is the result of having a coach that guides us but also is there for us when we need a role model figure. 

Having a coach who is passionate about my team makes a world of difference. Her guidance and determination towards the team makes it fun for everyone and creates an environment I want to be in. Understanding an athlete’s unique challenges, strengths, and aspirations is key, according to an article by Open Field Admin titled “Coaches are Mentors: The Most Important Relationship in a Young Person’s Life.”

This is very true at pom camp, which is a week in the summer dedicated to learning pom skills and basics. We also have a time that is dedicated towards bonding with the team. Each and every person writes down one thing that they love about each person participating in the activity. This is an activity meant to have the coaches and the team members learn about each other and create close connections. 

Fellow team members of mine may say that our coach is not only a coach, she is a friend, she is a role model, and she is a person who pushes us to be the best version of ourselves. She has the determination to make us into individuals who are kind, smart, and incredible pommers. She leaves a positive impact on our team because she always pushes us to be our best while keeping a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. She motivates us to work hard, stay confident, and believe in ourselves, both on and off the competition floor. Her energy and dedication brings our team closer together, and makes us feel valued. Her leadership inspires us to perform with passion and teamwork, which makes our team stronger and more united.