At PCG, athletes are highly encouraged to be involved in other sports and school clubs/teams. Our senior level athletes are also encouraged to be involved in coaching via the C.I.T. and coach-volunteer programs at the gym. We asked three senior Viper student athlete-coaches – Hali, Lauren and Rebecca – about what motivates them and how they handle being multi-sport athletes.
Q: “Do you have any difficulties balancing being on a school team, a cheer team and coaching?”
Hali: It all comes down to time management. Surprisingly, the busier I am the more efficient I become with my time. Thankfully, my teams and coaches all understand that I cannot be in two places at once and they allow me the freedom to prioritize my responsibilities.
Lauren: It is challenging at times to be on a school team, cheer team and be a coach as well, but it’s a challenge I’m up for!
Rebecca: At first, it is a challenge to balance all of the activities, but it teaches you to be organized and efficient with your time. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and get out of your comfort zone.
Q: “What is the best part of coaching the younger athletes in the gym?”
Hali: The younger athletes inspire me to be a better athlete myself, knowing that they look up to me. The ultimate reward in coaching is the smile on the face of a child who just realized that they could do it!
Lauren: The best part is seeing them be inspired by you and having them look up at you as a senior in the gym. They are always trying to improve their skills, and seeing them fall in love with the sport like I did makes me so happy.
Rebecca: The best part is watching them fall in love with the sport that I love.
Q: “Why do you do it?”
Hali: I was once the little girl who looked up to the older kids in the gym, now I am the one who is looked up to. Coaching young athletes is an honour that I will always hold close to my heart.
Lauren: With coaching minis (ages 6-7), you see a big change in them from the beginning of the season through to April. They mature and become much more independent. They are the sweetest bunch of kids, and I love each and every one of them.
Rebecca: I love it. I enjoy seeing how passionate the kids become for the sport at such a young age. Someone once told me that I’m making a kid’s day by coaching, but in reality, they’re making mine.
Submitted by Power Cheer Gym
