About 30 Killeen ISD middle school and high school coaches took advantage of a professional development opportunity Monday and Tuesday this week, engaging in the Coaching Greatness Training session that’s part of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts initiative.
The coaches, with varying years of experience, attended the interactive and reflective two-day course that was led by former coach and athletic director (San Saba, Kermit, Hamlin, Tuscola Jim Ned and Graham) Brad McCoy at KISD’s Sheridan Transportation Facility and delved into the intricacies of the demanding profession.
“As a coach, ultimately, no matter what we do, we are in it for the kids. That’s why I got into education and do what I do. I love kids and I love people, and I’m a people pleaser at heart,” said Harker Heights girls basketball head coach Shirretha Nelson, who just completed her 15th season in charge of the Lady Knights. “Growth and development are always something we should work on, aiming to put together all aspects of coaching so that we stay focused on the bigger picture.”
Last year, Killeen ISD introduced the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, which helps guide educators toward developing strong, meaningful, positive and lasting relationships with members of the school community.
As s component of CKH, the Coaching Greatness Training, also in Year 2 in the district, uses many of the same methods to enrich, encourage and bolster coaches, who are tasked with not only teaching athletic fundamentals but also lessons that reach beyond competition.
“The coaches in KISD represent this community, and it has to be bigger than just wins,” Chaparral boys track and field head coach and assistant football coach Michael Woods said. “So, in order to enhance this community, we have to be enhanced with the knowledge and the skills to help the kids on the other side. We want them to be an asset to this community and not a liability.”
McCoy often incorporated team exercises during which coaches seated at different tables had to work together, formulating ideas or discussing an assortment of topics, such as what characteristics are vital to a great team, differing coaching behaviors and how those translate to the athletes, and leadership as a service to others.
From time to time, volunteers were brought to the front of the room to share what went into their group’s conversation. In reference to what makes a great team, words that were used included “respect,” “accountability,” “trust,” “perseverance,” and “culture.”
In some instances, the coaches were called to do some self-evaluation only to have their peers then evaluate them, too. The underlying theme: Help each other be the best.
“Whether we are training in the weight room, or we’re in here with a pencil and a piece of paper gaining this knowledge to help shape kids, it’s all a win to me,” Woods said. “You have to be a well-rounded coach. You can’t just be X’s and O’s. You can’t forget the other parts, so this is good training.”
More photos can be found on Killeen ISD's Flicker page here.