Coaching the Next Generation
Our Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy is addressing the shortage of coaches in schools across Texas and the nation through its Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program, which offers students the unique opportunity to earn a coaching certificate and gain experience while completing their undergraduate degrees.
“We have a shortage of coaches, not only in the public school systems but in community-based programming as well,” Kelli Campbell, Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy Assistant Director, said. “There’s always a need for coaches, so anytime a student is able to give back to organizations like the Boys and Girls Club or Little League it shows we’re here to support the community just like they support us.”
The certificate program has attracted a wide variety of students and majors, including ocean engineering, history, sport management and business. Reasons to participate in the program vary from wanting to teach and coach in public education to starting the path to coach collegiate sports to volunteering in the community or coaching their children’s teams in the future.
The Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program teaches participants about the different aspects of becoming an effective coach, such as developing critical communication skills, handling conflict, being professional and understanding the importance of networking. These skills are taught through coursework, online training modules, in-person meetings, guest speakers and a variety of workshops. Students also gain CPR and First Aid certification, as well as training in child protection and other critical areas that are mandatory for most coaching positions.
To earn their certificate, participants must also complete 60 hours of field-based experience, coaching at least two different sports — 40 hours in a primary sport and 20 in a secondary. “One of the biggest benefits to the program is they put you in those spots where you can work but you can fail comfortably because you’re going to be able to do it with a coach that’s above you, mentoring you and working with you on the things that you can do better,” Nicholas Rex ‘24, senior kinesiology major and president of the Student Coaches Association, said.
Students also have access to mentoring and networking opportunities through the Student Coaches Association and Aggie Coaches Network. These connections help place students in coaching positions — both training and professional — in college sports across campus, in K-12 education and in community programs.
“Having just come out of the coaching profession, there are two things I think everyone needs to be successful — experience and a network,” Lindsey Killingsworth, Undergraduate Program Coordinator for the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy, said. “Our students have those two things in their back pocket compared to someone who’s fresh out, and they’re going to be the more highly qualified candidate.”
One big contributor to the coaching shortage is the number of overwhelmed coaches leaving the profession. The Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program is growing its plans based on this feedback to create better-prepared candidates who not only excel at coaching but also know how to build curriculums and work with administration, parents and athletes. “It’s not just about X’s and O’s, and there are ways to learn these variables early on so they’re more prepared and professional when graduating,” Campbell said.
The deadline to register for this semester is February 28. Learn more and apply online here.
Latest Education & Human Development
- Dr. Khalil Dirani Appointed EAHR Department HeadDr. Khalil M. Dirani has been appointed the new head of our School’s Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development. The post Dr. Khalil Dirani Appointed EAHR Department Head appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Former Graduate Student Competes for America’s Favorite Teacher TitleAggie graduate Joyce Welch is competing for the title of America’s Favorite Teacher. The post Former Graduate Student Competes for America’s Favorite Teacher Title appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Aggie Teacher’s Approach to Literacy Inspires Fellow EducatorsFormer student Abby Ramos Stanutz ’05 transforms literacy education at Longfellow Middle School in San Antonio and shares her effective teaching methods with teachers nationwide. The post Aggie Teacher’s Approach to Literacy Inspires Fellow Educators appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Dr. James Carson Named New Huffines Institute DirectorDr. James Carson will assume the role of Professor and new Director of the Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance. The post Dr. James Carson Named New Huffines Institute Director appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Mother and Daughter Inspire Student Health and Fitness Through PEAPTheresa Wenzel and daughter Alison Soltis, instructors at Texas A&M's PEAP, guide students through diverse physical activity courses and empower them with wellness education. The post Mother and Daughter Inspire Student Health and Fitness Through PEAP appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Former SEHD Student Furthers Bilingual Education in the Rio Grande ValleyDr. J. Joy Esquierdo, a graduate of our Bilingual Education Ph.D. program, was elected the interim Vice Provost for B3HSI integrations at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The post Former SEHD Student Furthers Bilingual Education in the Rio Grande Valley appeared first on Education and Human Development.