Please Don’t Call Me Coach

Today, an incredible article from Meghan Vrotsos, our Certified Instructor from Madison, Wisconsin. Don’t just read this, but pass along to anyone who works with players—
If you’ve ever had a lesson with me, you’ve probably heard me say “I am not a coach, I am an educator”. This saying and the reasons behind it are the backbone for my company name, Inner Power Pitch.

In Joe Ehrmann’s book, InSideOut coaching, he writes: “One of the great myths in America is that sports build character. They can and they should. Indeed, sports may be the perfect venue in which to build character. But sports don’t build character unless a coach possesses character and intentionally teaches it.”
There are two main types of coaches: transactional and transformational. Transactional coaches put a lot of emphasis on the black and white of the game. Transformational coaches care more about the people playing the game than the final score. They both want a win but their definition of a ‘win’ is very different.
Transactional coaches win when the team wins. They are typically:
– Extrinsically motivated
– Resistant to change
– Performance rewarders
Transformational coaches define a win based on individual and group improvement and not just in athletics. They are typically:
– Intrinsically motivated
– Open to new ideas
– Leaders with vision
In his book, Ehrmann shares his thoughts on prior coaches he’s had and it caused me to reflect on past coaches of my own. I don’t remember them all; it’s been a few decades and more than a few coaches. Their names and faces have faded with time but their lessons stand strong: be a good person, work hard, do the right thing, be a team player, learn to fail well and most important – it should be fun and feel good.
In looking deeper I realize that my dad is owed a thank you; he’s the one who found these people who’ve affected my life so greatly. You see, he was a professional archer and during the height of his competitive days he had two coaches: one for the body and one for the mind. He understood the importance of both coaches working separately and together; he passed that along to me.
Because of this, he’s helped me to see coaching differently … 20 years after the fact. Coaches see more kids in one year than most adults do in a lifetime. Our impact has a much broader reach than others. How we choose to coach, teach and lead is all being noticed by both kids and parents alike. Coaches have the power to impact thousands – let’s do it well.
Joe Ehrmann, InSideOut Coaching: “Coaches can either break young people’s psyches or build their souls.”
Which do you choose?
***Note: If you are a former college pitcher who would like to learn about our Instructor Certification process, contact us. You will be surprised about all of the ways we can help you become successful. We believe pitching can be much better in America and are looking for people who have a passion for helping kids succeed.