National Coaches Week 2021

National Coaches Week celebrates the positive impact coaches have on athletes, participants, and communities across Canada. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by saying #ThanksCoach.

To celebrate National Coaches Week this year, we caught up with some local coaches to find out what makes them tick. Check out the stories below, and be sure to check back as we add more all week.

Jessy Mcarthur is fresh to the coaching world but already plays a big role in the University of Lethbridge’s Men’s basketball, Men's soccer, swimming, and ringette team. Finding purpose in coaching, Jessy now works as a high-performance strength and conditioning coach. Jessy finds pride in training others to help reach their goals, athletes being his favorite to work with.

What is your proudest or most rewarding coaching moment?

If I had to pick specifics, I would have to say watching a few of the swimmers I work with make their way to Olympic trials after struggling through training during the Covid lockdowns. We spent so much time together day after day in an empty gym with the hopes that they would even be able to compete and watching them on the live stream, finally getting to display their hard work was beyond satisfying.

As of recently, seeing our athletes walk back into the doors of our facility after only seeing them over zoom and emails was also one of the more rewarding parts of my job. Being able to watch them do what they love to do and support them along the way has always been my favorite part of what I do.

What has been the most challenging part of your coaching experience?

Learning how to cater communication, training, and coaching style to different individuals. I work with a huge range of athletes from all different sports, and I get a lot of different personalities that walk through the door. Figuring out how to get the most out of each of them and learning what that even means has been, and still is, the most challenging part of my experience.

Do you have a coaching mentor? Who are they and why?

Heidi! My boss, supervisor, role model, whatever you want to call it. The way her athletes see her, talk about her, and interact with her is how I would want mine to see, talk about and interact with me. She is a perfect example of strength, professionalism, intelligence, and capability. If I end up being able to do half of what she does I would call myself lucky. Not to mention she has made my experience at the University better than I could have thought it would be. She’s the best.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming coaches in your sport?

The best part of your job is going to be the athletes you’re going to be working with. Getting the best out of them means you need to be able to offer them the best of yourself. You’re only going to get as much as you give.

As a player in your sport what was the biggest difference you noticed when you made the transition from player to coach?

Honestly, my enjoyment of the experience changed the most. Don’t get me wrong, I loved playing and competing and I still do, but I was a hothead with an ego and my experience with sports has been much more enjoyable day in and day out as a coach.

Paige Crozon fills many roles and being a coach is just one of them. Currently working as the Lead Assistant Coach with the Pronghorns Women's Basketball team, Paige spent the summer working with the Saskatchewan Rattlers professional basketball team as an assistant coach as well. Being a former player who led by example, she is challenged to step out of her comfort zone as a coach and find a way to lead when she is not the participant. Paige also competes still with Canada Basketball's 3X3 team.

What brought you into coaching or inspired you to become a coach?

As an athlete, I was very fortunate to have coaches that had a major impact on my life. When I think of the "critical moments" in my life, there was always a coach that supported, encouraged, inspired me in those moments. I want to be able to provide the same mentorship and support that I was given as an athlete.

Secondly, I love basketball and want to continue to grow the game.

What is your proudest or most rewarding coaching moment?

My proudest coaching moment is watching my daughter, Poppy interact with the athletes that I get to work with. They are great role models for her and she feels like she is a part of something bigger. Everyday I leave for the gym she asks if she can come and help "coach".

Do you have a coaching mentor? Who are they and why?

I am a part of the Enhanced Female Coaches Mentorship Program so am fortunate to have a formal coaching mentor, Erin MacAleenan, HC of UBC. As a new coach, she has been a great resource to discuss aspects of coaching from drill delivery, in-game responsibilities, to life as a coach, etc.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming coaches in your sport?

1.) Lead in a way that is authentic to who you are as a person; there is no "one way" to be a coach. As an athlete, I looked up to coaches that had a variety of different coaching styles. However, the ones that had the greatest impact on me were the coaches that were authentically themselves.

2.) Sports should be fun. At all levels, create an atmosphere that is enjoyable.

As a player in your sport what was the biggest difference you noticed when you made the transition from player to coach?

Transitioning from a basketball player to a coach has given me an appreciation for the art/science of coaching. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure a team is prepared for a game, practice is progressing and achieving necessary milestones, etc.

Macky Singh is a fresh face to the Lethbridge sports community after recently joining the Horns women’s soccer team in March of 2021. It all started with just wanting to give back to the high school in the community and now 28 years of experience and coaching around the world with both the Malaysia and New Zealand Women’s National Teams are under coaches belt. Macky played at a very competitive level before transitioning to coaching. As a coach, Macky feels he is more tactically aware, and if his coaching period and playing period would have crossed over more, that would have made an even better player.

What is your proudest or most rewarding coaching moment?

The most rewarding coaching moment is every day that I am able to coach and help develop athletes, be it in the sport or life.

There are a few that come to mind in terms of proudest moments.

• The opportunity to coach two national women's teams at the international stage.

• Athletes that I coached at junior and youth levels going on to represent their country as full internationals or contributing to society in an impactful and positive way once they have moved on as an athlete.

Coaching has also allowed me to travel across the globe. Coaching in different countries and making connections with many different people.

What has been the most challenging part of your coaching experience?

Coaching can be a lonely profession. Hence I have a few people around me that I can maintain a social connection with.

The other challenging part is not allowing negative criticismaffect me as a person and coach. Over time I have learned that it's part of the profession and I have not allowed it to affect my performance as a coach and as a person.

Do you have a coaching mentor? Who are they and why?

I did have one. Fred Simpson was the Director of Coaching at Mainland Football in New Zealand back in the early 2000s. He gave me the opportunities, advice, and support to develop as a coach. His influence opened many doors that allowed me to be exposed to many types of coaching opportunities at the junior and youth levels. It's also where I started to focus and specialize in the development and coaching of female soccer.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming coaches in your sport?

You have to be passionate, committed, keep up with coaching best practices, and continually evolve as a coach. Constantly learn the game, be it reading, observing other coaches, attend seminars, workshops, coaching courses, etc. so that you continually improve as a coach. Coaching is not just technical and tactical on the field, it's much bigger than that. The off-field aspects such as player management, organizational management, understanding and involvement, and be a positive influencer to your athletes.

James Ostoya is a coach with the Lethbridge and Area Recreational Hockey Club. With James’ 28 years of coaching experience, he has worked with a wide variety of players. He has worked with beginners as well as professionals in the CHL and NHL. After experiencing an unfortunate ACL tear in his youth hockey career, James took a coaching job for some extra ice-time. Here he ended up finding a part of the sport that he loves - coaching.

What is your proudest or most rewarding coaching moment?

Many - a recent one was when a young player in the Lethbridge Recreational Club did something unsportsmanlike that hurt the feelings of another player (~9 years old). I took the player aside to ascertain what happened. I did not see what happened but knew that something was up as the player complaining would not have brought it to me otherwise. I directly asked the player if they had done what they were accused of. I could see that the player was struggling to answer the question honestly. I encouraged him to be truthful. With tears welling up, he admitted to what happened and apologized for his unsportsmanlike behavior. I told him that I was proud of him for telling the truth, owning his mistake, and apologizing. I then reassured him that he was an even better hockey player for doing so. After practice, I informed his parents what had happened and that they should be proud of how their son chose to be honest and truthful. The player was beaming that his parents knew what had happened. I felt that the young man had a great victory and that he would remember that for a long time. It was even more important because at the Lethbridge and Area Hockey Club, we focus not only on fun and recreation but also on developing the character of the player.

What has been the most challenging part of your coaching experience?

You can see that some children may be living a difficult life. Some may come from broken homes, others may not feel valued, and even others live in poverty or neglect. You can see that this is the one hour a week that they forget about all their troubles or at least, they are distracted from them. As a coach and as a parent, you can sense the sadness in some of these kids, and that is very challenging to be around. But, it is also the reason to be a positive example and encourage them during the minimal interaction time that is available.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming coaches in your sport?

I would say park your ego at the door. It is never about you and it will never be about you. No one will remember your accomplishments and the championships you win. What they will never forget, though, is whether you treated them with respect, with integrity, and with charity. They will always remember the hope you gave them and the virtues you led them to.

As a former athlete in your sport, what was the biggest difference you noticed when you made the transition from player to coach?

I was a hockey player at an elite level. When I started coaching hockey, I saw the game in a different light. I saw it as an opportunity for players to grow as individuals, to grow in integrity, and to develop their virtues and character. Coaching allows me to help players become the best version of themselves as people.

Amanda Hillier is a coach with the Southern Alberta Skating Academy, has been coaching for 15 years and is nationally trained. As a coach, Amanda feels most rewarded when skaters succeed. Following in coaches’ footsteps, one of Amanda’s skaters will be performing with Disney on Ice later this year. This will be her most rewarding moment to date.

What brought you into coaching or inspired you to become a coach?

Previous to becoming a coach I actually was an Official/Judge at the age of 16. I enjoyed officiating but I really wanted to coach the brand new skaters stepping on the ice for the first time. They are still my favourites as the excitement and joy on their faces is really what it’s all about. Inspiring athletes from that first step is what gets them into the sport for life. I have skaters that are now adults still in the sport of figure skating that I helped take their first steps on the ice. There’s no better feeling.

Do you have a coaching mentor? Who are they, and why?

I have always looked up to the coaches I had growing up. I was trained by some of the best in this country that have developed Olympic skaters and to this day I am thankful for what they instilled in me. I trained in a skating academy environment out in Ontario which inspired me to start the Southern Alberta Skating Academy in 2017. I knew it would be hard work but also realized it was what I felt more comfortable coaching in. I have an amazing team of coaches that are so supportive and I couldn’t have done it without them.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming coaches in your sport?

Continue to develop, learn, take classes, and attend seminars. Don’t just get your certification and stop there. Strive to learn more as the sport evolves. Don’t ever be intimidated by “years of coaching experience’, I believe that some of the best coaches are ones that have the freshest ideas and passion.

As a competitor in your sport what was the biggest difference you noticed when you made the transition from competitor to coach?

I was 18 when I was recruited by Disney on Ice and decided to retire from competing and tour with them. I ended up touring 8 years before I decided to start my coaching career. I think this transition made it easier as I was still able to skate and ease out of the competitive sport. I am thankful that I can be a part of my athletes dreams and realize that all skaters have their own goals. Not everyone wants to go to the Olympics and that is ok. I just want to be there for them at whatever capacity they need me in.

Peter Schori is both the Head Coach for the University of Lethbridge Swim Team and a coach with the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club. Over 25 years of coaching experience began as a part-time coaching job at the university, which evolved into a career. Peter is an NCCP certified Chartered Professional Coach, who has been awarded the 2017 Alberta Sport Connection Sport Recognition Coaching Award and many Swim Alberta Awards including, Senior Female Coach (2015, 2016, 2017), Male Para Coach (2013, 2015, 2016), Jr Female Coach (2011), Outstanding Contribution to Coaching (2012), Provincial Coach of the Year (2009)

What is your most rewarding coaching moment?

I don’t know if there’s a specific moment or event. One of the great rewards in coaching is that there are constant achievements by the athletes. Seeing those everyday steps add up is pretty special, as they did with both Rachel Nicol and Zack McAllister making finals at the Rio Olympic & Paralympics.

What has been the most challenging part of your coaching experience?

Maintaining balance in life. Coaching can be an all-encompassing profession if you let it. I have learned how to continue to love what I do as part of my life.

Do you have a coaching mentor? Who are they and why?

I learned a lot from Mark Hahto (now the Director of Summer Sport at Own the Podium, then the Head Coach at the Cascade Swim Club). He was a great role model/boss and taught me a lot about the process, learning from your mistakes, and finding balance.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming coaches in your sport?

Be enthusiastic, ask questions and listen.

As a competitor in your sport what was the biggest difference you noticed when you made the transition from competitor to coach?

I was a swimmer but I think I’m a better coach! For me, I realized how much I didn’t know/understand about the sport and how difficult coaching is.

Kristy Lauzon is a coach with the Lethbridge Football Club, has been coaching for 12 years, and is C license certified. Growing up, Kristy was a former competitive player for the Charger's Soccer Club, who went on to make the transition from a player learning the game technically, tactically, and physically, to becoming a coach, teaching the game to others.

What inspired you to become a coach?

I wanted to give back to the game I love and to help develop that same passion in the players I coach and have coached!

What is your proudest or most rewarding coaching moment? There are too many!

Do you have a coaching mentor? Who are they, and why?

Yes, my Dad! He was my soccer coach when I played competitively in my teen years. He motivated me to always push myself to be better.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming coaches in your sport?

Always be passionate. You’re shaping players not just in the sport but in their everyday lives. Be the player's biggest cheerleader on and off the field.

We appreciate Kristy for sharing their story! #ThanksCoach