This past week, Soldiers To Sidelines hosted an exceptional basketball coaching workshop at Manhattan University, a landmark event dedicated to helping military veterans transition into coaching careers. The workshop, designed to empower soldiers by providing them with the tools and knowledge to lead in the world of sports, was more than just an educational experience—it was a celebration of camaraderie, leadership, and the enduring bond between service and sport.
The event kicked off with a Coaches Social at the Bronx Ale House in New York City. This gathering brought together a diverse group of attendees, including soldier coaches, friends of Soldiers to Sidelines, and members of the Manhattan Men’s Basketball coaching staff. The atmosphere was one of fellowship and joy as everyone enjoyed draft beers, wings, sliders, and quesadillas while bonding over shared experiences and a mutual love for basketball.
The next morning, the action moved to Draddy Gymnasium at Manhattan University, where the participants were greeted with coffee, doughnuts, and an opportunity to share their incredible military stories. These narratives set the stage for a day filled with learning and inspiration. Harrison Bernstein, the Founder and Executive Director of Soldiers To Sidelines, opened the session with a discussion on coaching and leadership, laying a strong foundation for the day’s activities.
Following Bernstein’s introduction, Coach John Gallagher, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Manhattan University, took the floor to share his coaching philosophy. Coach Gallagher’s session was a deep dive into the intricacies of building a Division One basketball program from the ground up. Speaking from a place of vulnerability, he shared both his successes and the lessons learned throughout his career, offering invaluable insights that resonated deeply with the soldier coaches in attendance.
The interactive nature of the workshop was further highlighted when Coach Gallagher opened the floor for questions. This lively discussion continued into lunch, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge and experiences were freely exchanged.
One of the workshop’s most anticipated moments came in the afternoon when participants were granted courtside seats to observe an intimate basketball practice led by Coach Gallagher and his staff. This rare opportunity allowed the soldier coaches to witness firsthand the strategies and dynamics involved in running a successful basketball program. The practice session concluded with an open after-action review, where the attending soldier coaches could ask detailed questions about what they observed, gaining key takeaways that would be instrumental in their future coaching endeavors.
This incredible event was made possible through the generous support of the David and Karen Pecker Foundation, whose commitment to the military community continues to enable veterans to serve their country in new and impactful ways—as coaches. The Soldiers To Sidelines Basketball Coaching Workshop at Manhattan University was not just about learning the Xs and Os of basketball; it was about harnessing the leadership skills honed in military service and applying them to the world of sports. It was a day that highlighted the unique strengths soldiers bring to coaching and how, through initiatives like this, they continue to lead and inspire, both on and off the court.
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