Our whole life, no matter what sport we did, we had a coach or mentor pushing us along the way and motivating us to our full potential. But, what is their story? What led them to become the coach they are today?
West Fields baseball coach and general financial literacy or fit for life teacher Tyler Barfuss said “I started coaching in 2001.” That means he has over 20 years of experience coaching baseball; he is still going strong for more. Barfuss understands his impact on young athletes as a coach as his favorite thing about coaching is the difference he can make. “making a difference in the lives of young men” Barfuss then goes on “In all reality, changing lives of kids and being a positive influence” There are a lot of reasons people decide to go on to coach, but Barfuss shows his connection to baseball. “I love being around the game. When you can’t play anymore, you coach it,” he strongly remarks. There are lots of factors into being a good coach and creating a strong team “someone who is a good teacher ultimately coaching is teaching” another trait is “someone who holds kids accountable, but also relates to them.”
The girls tennis coach and chemistry teacher Allison Halling. Who has been coaching for three years “I started coaching three years ago.” She stated Halling loves coaching because she gets to see her athletes grow and change in the sport. “Seeing the athletes grow not just in their skill but as people”, she replied. Many coaches have different reasons for wanting to coach and Halling’s brings her closer to her family, “My dad was a high school basketball coach for years and he’s my hero so I just followed in his footsteps.” Halling then expressed that coaching has grown her passion and love for the sport “I think I have more of a passion for the sport after coaching”, she expressed. Halling then shares what she thinks makes a good coach, “Someone who’s willing and able to connect with kids and knows it isn’t about winning but the development of athletes.” Halling loves the job of coaching and teaching because it builds a stronger connection with the students “The best part of the job is I get to see kids in the classroom and get to see them learn and grow there and then see them on the court,” she claims. This “builds different relationships when you get to coach instead of just teach.” Halling is an incredible coach and teacher and has definitely shaped her athletes and students lifes for the better.
Now that we have interviewed a few of our coaches here at West Field we can better relate to our coaches and appreciate all they’ve done to become a coach and what they do for their athletes. This also shows that the coaches here don’t just care about the sport but more about the athlete and the positive impact they leave on them.
