The Power of a Coach: How Mr. Jones Inspired My Athletic and Academic Journey by Gracie

The Power of a Coach: How Mr. Jones Inspired My Athletic and Academic Journey by Gracie - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Being a teacher and a coach can be difficult for someone to handle. However, my track coach, Scott Jones, should take great pride in his work as he embodies this role well. Not only is he a teacher and my head track coach, but he is also a leader for Barlow Younglife, a club I am heavily involved in. He has taught me to push through hard times, listen to my body, and rest when needed.
Though a coach, he cares more about his athletes than other coaches do. He wants them to succeed in their education and on the track. Mr. Jones always makes an effort to check in on me and my family to see how school is going for me. I’m not always a student who he needs to check on because of the high educational standards I have for myself. However, he still makes an effort to reach out. Mr. Jones has always respected me and reminded me that it’s okay not to be perfect in my schooling. I can be very critical of myself, so this is always a good reminder, especially from someone other than my parents.
On the track, I have learned to push myself farther than many would. After having two unexpected injuries in my high school athletics career, I’ve had to play a game of catch-up. Through these injuries, Mr. Jones taught me to think positively of myself and give myself grace. He has shown me how to be resilient when circumstances can be difficult. Mr. Jones was one of the first people to know about my injuries and understood my situation. He’s opened up the weight room for me when we haven’t had scheduled time for weights; he’s pushed me out on the track and provided me with lots of encouragement and wisdom to help me overcome challenges I might face in athletics and my education.
While he has taught me a lot through my athletic career and as a student, he has also greatly influenced me in furthering my education. As a result of his efforts to push me to become a better athlete, I now have the opportunity to run and train at the next level in college. Multiple colleges and universities want me to join their track team next year. As my head track coach, he has talked me through the possibilities of running at certain schools and contacted coaches for me. Intending also to pursue an education in the medical field, he has reminded me that it’s okay to challenge myself. I could not thank him enough for his time pouring into my athletic career and education. Mr. Jones is someone I look up to and someone who has made a difference in my life and had a significant impact on me.