How I got into coaching children and young people  

When I first took the position of K-12 Special Education Teacher 13 years ago, I had no idea what I was in for. I had heard of SpecialOlympics, but realistically had no idea what it really entailed. The unique part of my job as I learned, was that we incorporate SO with our students during the school day. I was immediately thrust into bowling season, followed by basketball, soccer, and then track & field. I quickly learned how much SO meant to the individuals that we coached. When I first started, we did just traditional sports, but after year 2, we incorporated Unified Sports and never looked back. This direction of our program helped us to add so many more individuals throughout the years. Our local group grew from only a few schools and about 20 athletes to more than 70 athletes and Unified Partners. It was very easy to see the impact of Unified Sports in our school. The program works both ways for our kiddos with IDD and our non-disabled peers. The relationships that have been built over the years have been a real sight to see. The really cool part is that the program itself gives back. We’ve had numerous UPs over the years graduate and become Special Education teacher or related service individuals. The network that has been created continues to build and build. I personally got in to teaching because I had so many role models in my life along the way who showed me what it meant to be a teacher and coach. I also had several individuals in my family who were teachers and coaches, including both parents, my grandfather, and my uncles. 

Why I am passionate about putting kids first in sport? 

Most people don’t realize the impact that sports can have on our youth. With positive role models and people who genuinely care, our athletes have a safe place where they can work to improve all sorts of skills (social, mental, physical, and beyond). With success comes failure as well. I tell all my athletes that at some point they will fail. A very scary reality, but without failure, growth is unachievable. Empathy goes a long way in this field, but also not enabling our athletes is something I’ve learned along the way. I work to help push athletes in ways they may have never been pushed before. Another scary idea, but I know that if you never get pushed, you never realize what you are capable of. Getting out of your comfort zone is where the real growth happens. I love watching the progress that kids make, no matter how big or small. It’s even more rewarding when you’ve seen people through the program, and then run into them at events and they come give you a big hug. They trust you, and you know the bonds you’ve made over the years really means the world to them. It’s a community, and for that I am grateful for having  a small part. 

Chris’ Top Tips for Youth Sport Coaches: