While flying back from Seattle, I have been able to think about what an incredible weekend I was able to experience while coaching Emily Carothers at the North West regionals. There is one phrase that sums up the entire weekend..”Execute the plan”.
Going into any competition, there should be a plan established before hand. With our sport, I know at times, things don’t always go as planned and that’s when the coach to athlete relationship is tested. Meaning, when push comes to shove, will the athlete trust in the coaches game plan until the end or change the plan on the fly, hoping for better. I have seen both sides of this relationship as a coach. If you are not trusted and/or they don’t believe in the plan, you have nothing. The second doubt creeps into the mind, everything is gone. I refuse to surround myself with these athletes because most likely, it will end up not good…
At no point this weekend did I ever feel this from Emily. From changing her HSPU position 10 minutes before workout number 4, to pacing her throughout the 50’s workout is just a couple examples where she trusted in me and as a coach, I am very grateful. With that said, her performances were top notch. She knew what she was capable of and with that, was able to execute the plan. This was an athlete who took 3rd at last years regionals to being 24 points in front of second place! That speaks volume to me. Spencer and I couldn’t be happier with the athletes that we coach and are very proud of the effort they have put forward along with the trust they have put in us.
Coach Poppa
