Coaches' panel summary.

The Second Annual Girls in Sport Symposium concluded with a panel discussion involving North Carolina high school coaches from the local area. The following coaches participated in the panel:

Robyn Wesselman (varsity girls' volleyball coach, Mount Tabor High School)

Kris Briton (varsity girls' basketball coach, James Benson Dudley High School)

Donald Davis (varsity track and field coach, Hugh M. Cummings High School)

DeAnne Brooks, who is a recent Ed.D. recipient, current coach, and former collegiate All-American and North Carolina high school track and field athlete, moderated the discussion. The coaches were asked a series of questions regarding their coaching experiences, addressing three major topics: 1) the meaning of success, 2) the biggest challenges faced when coaching, and 3) advice for new coaches. Specific questions included:

* What is success? (How do you, as a coaches, define success for yourselves) Does "success" depend on the age of the athletes? Has your definition of success evolved over your coaching career?

* What are challenges or problems you face as a coach? How have you addressed them? Are challenges different when coaching younger or older girls? Are there any specific problems relating to resources? Are parents a challenge in your coaching practice?

* What piece of advice would you offer a new coach?

Meaning of Success

When defining the meaning of success, the general consensus among the high school coaches' panel was that success is founded on more than simply winning. Although all three coaches have been recognized for their teams' standout achievements in their respective sports, the coaches cited the importance of impacting student-athletes beyond the athletic arena. Specifically, they felt successful if their players did well academically, graduated from high school, and ultimately went on to attend college and eventually contribute back to their community. Coach Wesselman reflected this sentiment: "I could not tell you what my record is ... but at the end of the four years. ... I promise their mothers that [the student-athletes] will go off stronger, more independent, more capable women." Overall, if the coaches were able to impact their players in a positive way and achieve their goals for their teams without letting the many barriers they encounter stand in their way, then the coaches felt that they had obtained some level of success.

Challenges Faced

When discussing the biggest challenges they face with coaching girls, the issue of self-confidence was raised. The coaches believe that it is the role of the coach to encourage their players to believe that they are talented athletes. Coach Davis felt that it was especially important to let female athletes know that they are as valued as their male counterparts who play more popularized sports such as football and basketball. Beyond issues specific to female athletes, the coaches felt that, in general, working with young athletes presents challenges related to lack of accountability among the youth. The coaches perceived a sense of entitlement among young athletes today and found it necessary to remain firm and honest with these athletes. One strategy the coaches found helpful was to have team members sign a contract outlining behavioral rules and regulations with clear consequences delineated.

Advice to New Coaches

The coaches' panel discussion concluded with each veteran coach providing advice for new coaches beginning their coaching career. The panel acknowledged the need to keep perspective in the profession and not to let frustrations with coaching become so overwhelming that you take that anger home with you at night. The coaches also found it imperative to understand the reasoning behind one's actions as a coach. Coach Briton advised coaches in making decisions to always focus on the best interests of the student-athlete: "If it's about the student-athlete and their best interest, the success will come... if your focus is on the right things and everyone buys into it and you establish that culture, the winning will come."