YEARS INVOLVED WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Just starting my 4th year with Special Olympics this season
SPORTS YOU COACH: Currently: Floor Hockey B Previously: Club Fit
HOW YOU BECAME INVOLVED: I initially gained interest by seeing some pictures of an SOBC basketball event on social media (probably March Madness). It looked like an incredibly fun time and I immediately starting looking into it. I love competitive sports and the community looked so inviting. I made some time in my schedule to help out as a Floor Hockey B program volunteer and I have loved every practice, competition, and event ever since!
WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT COACHING SPECIAL O ATHLETES: What I like about coaching Special O athletes is that I get to be a part of this community while both teaching and learning from the athletes. From my first day as a volunteer, the athletes on the teams have welcomed me with open arms and I have gotten to know each and every one of them since. It is a great feeling to be able to contribute to and watch the team grow, compete, and improve year by year. When I first started volunteering with SOBC, it never at all crossed my mind that I would eventually be a head coach and I definitely did not feel ready for it. However, the support of all of the athletes and volunteers on my team made my transition to a coaching role so enjoyable. While coaching, I have learned so much about myself through the athletes. Coaching Special O is definitely give and take and that is one of my favorite things about it.
BEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN COACHING: My best accomplishment in coaching is qualifying with the Floor Hockey B team for SOBC Provincial Winter Games 2015 and competing there. It was an honor traveling with, competing with, and getting to bond with our team. It was also some of the highest level hockey I have seen our team play and it was a very proud experience for everyone involved with Floor Hockey B.