Why I started Coaching vs Why I Coach today

I’ll preface this by saying that GOD is truly amazing!  He is at work in your life, even when you think he couldn’t be further from you. In 2021 two legendary Pennsylvania Boys Volleyball Coaches, chose not to return.   When I applied for those positions, it was for me. I thought if I could replace one of those coaches, that it would somehow validate my life.  I was so lost,  I thought my worth depended on how successful other people thought I was.  I took the  Northeastern job to prove to the world that “I” was great.  Well I quickly realized, just how NOT great I was.  The season started with a 5 hour drive to Meadville.  That Friday we lost our first match and the Next day competed in a tournament where we didn’t do much better.  That weekend I realized something that I should’ve already known….. I wasn’t a very good coach. I spent that 5 hour bus ride back figuring out how I was going to become the coach I thought I was.  I read more books that season than I had read in my entire life. I listened to more podcasts and watched more game film than I even thought was possible. I spent every second of my time chasing greatness. When they decided to move on from me, I truly believe I had become the coach I said I was. I believe that if I had stayed there, I likely would’ve achieved the success I was chasing. However, I don’t think I would’ve ever felt satisfied with that type of success.  I think GOD had other intentions for my life.  I believe GOD used that situation to change me.  I worked harder than I ever had in my life, chasing selfish goals.  I was chasing success, awards, any and every form of recognition.   What I didn’t realize was…. through that process I wasn’t just becoming a better coach, I was becoming a better person as well. Winning was the most important thing to me when I started at Northeastern. When I left the most important thing to me was the kids.  I believe GOD used my ambition, and need for validation to drive me towards a goal I didn’t know i had.  In 2021 my reason for coaching was to become a dominant coach like the one I was replacing.  In 2025 my reason for coaching is to change lives. I want to make a difference.  Winning is no longer my goal, instead it’s a tool.  I still spend most of my life trying to be a better coach. I still read books, listen to podcasts, talk to mentors, and build strong relationships with my peers. In fact I push myself even harder now than I did before.  Before I had a reason, but now I have a purpose.  That purpose is worth so much more than any form of recognition.  However, most athletes don’t understand that.  Most athletes, are competing for the same reasons I did, they’re seeking validation.  They want awards and recognition, they want to be remembered.  I do my best to use that the way that GOD used it in my life.  I need to win, because that’s why they will listen.  I need to win, because that’s what will motivate them. I need to win, because that’s the only way I’ll be able to make an impact in their life.   I still need to win, but now it’s not for me…. it’s for them.  

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