Any coaches out there?

[Desiree]

I'm in the process of attempting to get back in school. (I dropped out as a freshman), so I'm pretty much starting over. I think I've finally decided what I want to do. I've always been a sports nut, although I've been better at strategy than actually playing anything even though I've playing either basketball or softball my entire life.

I would just like some feedback from y'all. How you like it. I know and realize the pressures (parents, refs, umpires, etc. and even the kids themselves).

I do still love my job, but it will allow me the flexability I need to actually be in school. I'm starting off slow, hoping to just take a Kinesiology class this semester and then tackle a full schedule in the spring.

Oh I'm hoping to get my degree in Kinesiology but I'd also want to be certified to teach either History or P.E. My Kinesiology degree, I'd do the teaching certification with emphasis on sports studies.

Looking forward to hearing your responses.

Des

 

[Dan Murphy]

I just want to congratulate you, Des, and wish you the very best. Good wishes to you and good for to to tackle the challenge!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

A double post, so just a hi, Des.

 

[believe]

I don't coach, but my brother does. He has 2 sons (14, 12) and works full time. All his non-working time is spent on his coaching and fundraising. If you are one that has to really study to make the grade....this may be difficult if you are going full-time.

 

[J&D]

I am a teacher, and my DH is a teacher/coach. He absolutely loves coaching. The main thing that you need to understand is that coaching is very demanding. It takes away A LOT of your family time. On game nights, my DH might not get home until 2 or 3 AM, and during football and basketball season he also has to work on the weekends. I would have him get on here and post but he will be at football practice until late tonight.

Although it is very demanding, it is also very rewarding. His work is his passion, and I wouldn't want him trying to do anything else. I am very proud to be a coach's wife! (Hopefully I will still be able to say that after football season!)

Just a tip about getting certified- most coaches are certified to teach history or PE. You will be more marketable if you are certified in other areas as well.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Patrick IL.]

I coach 8th grade Basketball for both boys and girls. I do it in addition to my regular full time job. Its been about 6 years since I have been doing this, its been my first paying coaching position. Previous I have volunteered coached boys baseball, girls softball, Special Olympics, Special education teams on so on. I find the contact with the youngsters a "stress relief" for my own self. The same kids I coach feed right into the High School I work at the following year so we really end up seeing each other for 5 years. I've been approached to coach at the High School level but the seasons are much longer..so the bump in the pay evens out to about the same. There are pressures of the cuts, Athletic Directors, Booster clubs, upset parents and on and on. Its part of the growing up process for the kids [and parents]. At the end of last season I was approached by the IHSA {Illinois High School Association} who wanted to know if I would become a ref for High School Basketball. The money is much better working say three games a week, less hours ect...then coaching, but I would probably miss my kids.
I have not made up my mind on which direction I am going to go with this yet.

I suppose my response to you is if its something you feel in your heart then go for it. You will not make a ton of money...but its really not about the money as much as it is about the time spend with the kids. Good luck with whatever you decide
Patrick

 

[Desiree]

Thanks everyone. My how fast things can change. I was really looking forward to doing this. I still may try to do some volunteer coaching in the upcoming months but college is going to have to be put on hold again. Our A/C broke yesterday afternoon and in Louisiana this time of year that is a BAD THING! And also in pulling out the unit we discovered something bad too. Termites. I know I'll get back to school one of these days. Just wont be for a while now.