Even if a child isn’t destined to make a profession out of sports, participation in high school athletics sets them up for life by teaching student athletes the skills and behaviors expected of them as successful, contributing adults in society. Sport provides a good training ground for learning communication, teamwork, discipline, pressure, leadership, effort, competition and resilience with coaches there to reinforce these ideals.
“I have seen, first-hand, how sport causes a meaningful transformation in a student-athlete. In the right environment, and with the support of quality coaches who care about whole-person development, I have seen athletes grow comfortable in their own skin,” says Danielle Slaton, director of professional development for the School of Education at Santa Clara University.
Sport alone, however, is not responsible for positive change. Coaches, athletic directors and the rest of the athletic department are responsible for guiding a student athlete’s transformation and creating a positive learning environment both on and off the field.
Faith and sport go hand in hand. Both are mediums that promote human values—virtues that connect us to others. Through one the other can be explored. Athletic staff at Catholic schools have the opportunity to not only reach students through faith but to connect that faith to the sports they love because Catholic institutions do not limit a coach’s ability to discuss prayer, values and character within the context of sports.
“I have seen [student athletes] struggle through challenges and come out stronger on the other side. I have seen athletes find their voices and discover quality relationships with peers who share their same interests,” Slaton says.
In a role where Slaton’s duties include supporting the continued growth and professional development of teachers, principals, coaches and counselors, all of whom work with young people, Slaton is uniquely poised to instruct athletic staff on connecting with their athletes. She created the curriculum for the Coaching for Life Academy, a program designed to help coaches integrate life skills development into their sports coaching, was a Catholic high school student-athlete at Presentation High School in San Jose and a member of the US Women’s National Soccer team from 2000-2005.
Through those experiences she’s been on both sides of the conversation and she is teaching coaches how to connect with students to encourage positive change in their lives and support development both on and off the field.
Her best advice for coaches it to consider your role in the child’s life. Coaches are in a position of power but more akin to a friend than most instructors. They also have the ability to challenge athletes physically, mentally and emotionally, an opportunity most instructors do not have.
Coaches—do this thoughtfully. “Challenge your athletes to develop and improve, but not before you’ve done the work to make sure that each athlete with whom you interact feels valued, respected and known,” Slaton suggests.
Tips for Coaches:
Be a friend but do not coddle. Your job first and foremost is to teach a child to excel in sport. However, coaches can also translate those teachings into lessons for daily life.
Focus on whole-human development. Instead of having tunnel vision when it comes to athletic performance, consider how student athletes can grow in other areas of their life with sport as a catalyst.
Have conversations. When a child is struggling, whether large or small, insert yourself when appropriate. Contact other staff or parents when necessary.
Don’t shy away from prayer. Catholic schools have an opportunity most learning institutions do not, to talk openly about faith and how it applies both on the field and in other areas of life.
Look at the bigger picture. There may be a few truly talented athletes you meet throughout the years but most of the students who grace your field will not continue past college sports or possibly even high school. Remember this and keep the perspective of helping student athletes find success by emphasizing how athletic lessons can apply to other avenues of life.
Keep the joy alive. Finding joy in a task is imperative for all young adults and with the current landscape of the world it is becoming more important than ever before. Keep sports fun because the kids who find joy in athletics now can use it as a safe space in the future when life gets them down.
Pull-Out Quote: “I believe that sport can be a visual representation of the mission of a Catholic school and its culture. It is where the community can see the best versions of ourselves—individuals who both celebrate victory and struggle through adversity, but all the while, stay committed to a purpose greater than oneself,” Danielle Slaton, Director of Professional Development for the School of Education at Santa Clara University