Coach by Kaemon

Coach by Kaemon - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

Possessing a personal interest in developing strength training programs and body conditioning routines, I reached out to the head football coach of the Patriots, inquired about their summer workout program and requested an opportunity to assist. Although I have volunteered with young people in other community opportunities, this venture was BIG. This would test my ability to gain the trust and respect of a group of individuals that counted on me to lead them effectively in a subject I am passionate about.

I brainstormed and developed a solid plan to lead these young people: be kind. be consistent. be prepared. be encouraging; but most importantly, have fun. On the first day of workouts, eager faces stared back at me from the warm-up line. The challenge of taking these kids under my wing and teaching them what I knew was a heavy responsibility. I began to question if I was qualified to lead such a group, and if I was someone they would listen to. My fears and doubts immediately evaporated upon being referred to as “Coach” for the first time.

From that moment on, an automatic bond was present between us. Encouragement, constructive criticism and guidance with setting new personal records in the weight room, not only brought us closer together, but solidified my role as a leader in their eyes. As personal goals were met and exceeded in the weight room, players began requesting to visit my station and sought me out as a spotter for their record bench press attempts. Even the most inexperienced players volunteered to demonstrate new weightlifting movements for the rest of the team; becoming leaders themselves. The outcome of empowering others was a valuable lesson I witnessed.

Throughout hours in the grueling summer heat and countless repetitions of workouts and sprints, I was able to refine my own definition of what it means to be a leader. Ensuring the well-being of this middle school team was my highest priority. Stretching and recovery were staples of my post workout routines, but these measures only accounted for the physical aspects of their health. Befriending, conversing with and checking in on players’ mental health also occupied much of my time. These combined considerations, coupled with determination of the entire coaching staff, resulted in a successful season for the Patriots. Although I “retired” from my coaching career prematurely, due to my own responsibilities in the high school band program, watching this group in action during the first round of playoffs gave me a sense of pride in knowing that my contributions, in some way, helped them achieve the success I knew they were capable of.