February 4th, 2021 | Written by Michelle Bozoki
The importance of coaching for our future generations
“Coach” – a simple title, but one that means so much more. Coaches don’t just teach a sport. They are mentors, counselors, cheerleaders, and even surrogate parents. They play a pivotal role in the development and character building of the athletes they train. Ask the question, “who had the greatest influence in your life?” The answer for many is a coach who left an indelible mark, whether from little league, high school, or at the collegiate level.
Unfortunately, there is a current shortage of coaches across the country at all levels. A closer look reveals that the lack of female coaches is even more prevalent. With the current societal challenges facing our world, particularly our youth, there has never been a greater need for coaches who can empower and develop the character of next generations.
Why Veterans and Service Members make great coaches
The US Armed Forces offer the ideal training ground for these future coaches. They train soldiers to become selfless leaders, team players, and mentally and physically tough individuals who serve their subordinates. Our servicemen and women know how to overcome insurmountable obstacles and persevere in dire circumstances. These skills not only create inspirational and skilled leaders but also equip these individuals with lasting tools that help them manage challenges and coach others to effectively do the same, whether on or off the field.
How Soldiers to Sidelines is impacting athletics and our communities
This is why non-profit organizations like Soldiers to Sidelines (STS) are so valuable. To date, STS has certified 304 Soldier Coaches residing in 41 states, representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. These veterans, active-duty personnel, and reservists are shaping lives at the collegiate, scholastic, and youth/community level in football, basketball, lacrosse, and sports performance programs. An amazing 84% of the certified coaches are actively coaching and an additional 14% are on a clear path to doing the same.
STS programs strive to arm a community of Soldier Coaches with knowledge and techniques shared by collegiate level coaches and other athletics experts. Additionally, the organization and its network provide connections to the larger athletic community which aid members in securing future opportunities.
Not only does STS help create renewed purpose and community for military personnel who are making the challenging transition to civilian life, but they also leverage an incredibly honed leadership skill set that affords athletes of all ages access to amazing coaches and mentors.
Amber Love is one such Soldier Coach who benefitted from the STS certification program. An active-duty Army soldier since 2004, Love shared her thoughts on the organization. “Soldiers to Sidelines opened the door to so many opportunities in a short amount of time. I am forever grateful for the follow-up conversations and monthly check-ins from the staff. I’ve always believed that when you are thankful for what you have, you are rewarded with something more. This program is the best one out there. Thank you Soldiers to Sidelines for all that you’ve given me. I promise to pay it forward!”
STS is not alone in this effort to make a difference on this front. A robust network of partners, such as HigherEchelon, Inc. help make their work possible. An award-winning organizational performance consulting firm, HigherEchelon brings together expertise in people, process, and technology to provide training and services in the areas of human capital, enterprise technology, Salesforce implementations and consulting, engineering, cyber solutions, and gaming and simulation. They are involved in cutting-edge 3D virtual tools that solve real training problems for coaches and athletes, such as the GoArmyEdge suite of free apps.
How to address the shortage of women in coaching
Building off of its current success and recognizing the growing need for unique programs tailored to female service members and veterans, STS is offering a Virtual Women’s Coaching Certification Seminar, sponsored by HigherEchelon, Inc. from March 22, 2021 – March 27, 2021.
This first-of-its-kind event is open to all eligible female military service members and veterans. It will feature expert speakers and content like schematic theory, cultivating trust, sports nutrition, sleep and recovery, plus so much more.
This unique opportunity supports those who served us so selflessly but also helps develop a new batch of female role models to address the existing coaching shortage and inspire generations to come. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a character-based coach, please register or share the link below. There is no cost for participation.
Registration for the event can be found here.
Visit SoldiersToSidelines.org for more information on the organization and its partners. Together we can make a difference in the lives of so many!
Recent Comments