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Starting off...
Hi everyone,
I just graduated from the University of Rhode Island (D1, A10 conference) this past May. I was a 4 year student athlete on scholarship, as well as a captain and starter. I had a pretty rough career, having three knee surgeries in three years, but was able to continue on to finish my undergraduate degree in Communications Studies and Sociology as well as be in the URI record books at # 3 for blocked shots in a career. Since I was hurt alot, I got the chance to see the game from not just the player's perspective, but from the other side as well. Although I'm not happy that my career wasn't the best it could've been, I learned alot from watching, and I think I have so much love and knowledge for the game that I would love to share with current student athletes. My question is, since I'm a recent graduate and am employed at a marketing firm back home in NYC, will anyone give me a chance to start somewhere and work my way up? Also, do I need any type of certification to be a coach? I have applied to a few asst. coaching jobs on the D2 level to start at, but haven't heard anything back yet and wonder could it be because of my lack of experience and recent graduation. Any suggestions or comments would be much appreciated.
Thanks everyone!
Whitney
I just graduated from the University of Rhode Island (D1, A10 conference) this past May. I was a 4 year student athlete on scholarship, as well as a captain and starter. I had a pretty rough career, having three knee surgeries in three years, but was able to continue on to finish my undergraduate degree in Communications Studies and Sociology as well as be in the URI record books at # 3 for blocked shots in a career. Since I was hurt alot, I got the chance to see the game from not just the player's perspective, but from the other side as well. Although I'm not happy that my career wasn't the best it could've been, I learned alot from watching, and I think I have so much love and knowledge for the game that I would love to share with current student athletes. My question is, since I'm a recent graduate and am employed at a marketing firm back home in NYC, will anyone give me a chance to start somewhere and work my way up? Also, do I need any type of certification to be a coach? I have applied to a few asst. coaching jobs on the D2 level to start at, but haven't heard anything back yet and wonder could it be because of my lack of experience and recent graduation. Any suggestions or comments would be much appreciated.
Thanks everyone!
Whitney
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Bernal on -
Hey Whitney,
Sorry to hear about your playing career at Rhode Island... A couple of things I have learned when it comes to coaching, one its who you know and the other being at the right place at the right time. I am surprised though with your playing experience at the D-I level that you are having difficulty. I am a person that came from limited coaching experience and happened to be at the right place at the right time and landed a student assistant position at a community college in San Antonio, TX in the capacity of a assistant coach for the men's basketball team. I worked my tail off with the guys and the head coach and I was rewarded a semester later with being a head coach in two games against a junior varsity squad at Schreiner University a NCAA D-III school. I won both games and have gained much respect from the head coach. Recently I ran into the coach and he was ready to offer me an assistant coach position but I was unable to take it since I do not graduate until May 2009. My advice, find a school to work with whether NCAA, NAIA, or JUCO and work hard and be patient. Good things will come and if you are in the right place at the right time, the perfect job will come for you. Good Luck in your endeavors.
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Permalink Reply by Whitney on -
Thanks for the advice!! I actually got contacted by a coach from a D-II school today. The only thing is that if I decided to take this position it would be on a volunteer basis because school funds for the athletics program are low. Right now I work full time, 9am-5pm for a marketing firm in NYC. Their games that are on weekdays are at 6pm, and those are the ones at home. The away games, that's a whole other story. I don't know how I would do that. But for the home games, there is no way that I would make it from NYC to the school in NJ in an hour. I know this would be good experience for me even though I'm not getting paid, and may possibly open up other opportunities. But since they aren't paying me, does it make sense to take days off and leave early from the job that IS paying me? I don't know what to do now! :(
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Bernal on
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That is a tough decision to make... Talk to your employer maybe they may be willing to work with you as you pursue this opportunity. Last season I worked for a school district in San Antonio and they allowed me to leave early or take a day off on game days. I had ten days to play with and after that I had to take days unpaid which I was ok with.
In addition, there are quite a few programs where the funding is quite low. Currently, I am going out into local businesses in San Antonio to look for corporate sponsors for our upcoming season. This is allowing us to add some additional games and pay for travel on road games. There is quite a bit more work involved in coaching than what I thought but I love it. Normally schools only budget for the bare minimum and do not look into what type of funding a program needs to be truly successful. Get all the facts straight as far as pros and cons and see what is best for you. If it works itself out congratulations, if not dont give up and maybe look for alternatives that are possible like maybe scouting in a particular area that will accomadate your schedule. I am going to scout in the San Antonio area this season for Texas A&M - Kingsville (NCAA D-II) as well as be an assistant coach for Palo Alto College in San Antonio.
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Permalink Reply by CoachDrew on -
I know there are quite a few womens coaches on here. You might want to try hitting them up.
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Permalink Reply by Charles Briggs on -
Whitney,
maybe you need to contact some of the AAU girls teams in NYC, such as New Height, Exdous, Milkbank, Gazette and Riverbank. Just to name few and see if you can volunteer. get you feet wet.
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Permalink Reply by Coach Mitchell on -
Whitney, have you thought about working some summer camps and or clinics at colleges or universities?During my early years of coaching I found that a good way to make some connections and find out about coaching jobs and opportunities.
Coach Mitchell
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Permalink Reply by Mickey Carey on -
You should try some JUCO's. There are alot in the NYC area. That would be a great start. If you want, I could ask the women's coach at my school. It is right outside NYC, and I know they practice late, usually from 6-8
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Permalink Reply by Bruce on -
Coach, I'm curious what compensation you receive for scouting. Is it for scouting specific players or teams? Does it include you shooting video, keeping stats , or just player evaluation regarding shooting, rebounding teamwork, etc>?
Jerry Bernal said:That is a tough decision to make... Talk to your employer maybe they may be willing to work with you as you pursue this opportunity. Last season I worked for a school district in San Antonio and they allowed me to leave early or take a day off on game days. I had ten days to play with and after that I had to take days unpaid which I was ok with.
In addition, there are quite a few programs where the funding is quite low. Currently, I am going out into local businesses in San Antonio to look for corporate sponsors for our upcoming season. This is allowing us to add some additional games and pay for travel on road games. There is quite a bit more work involved in coaching than what I thought but I love it. Normally schools only budget for the bare minimum and do not look into what type of funding a program needs to be truly successful. Get all the facts straight as far as pros and cons and see what is best for you. If it works itself out congratulations, if not dont give up and maybe look for alternatives that are possible like maybe scouting in a particular area that will accomadate your schedule. I am going to scout in the San Antonio area this season for Texas A&M - Kingsville (NCAA D-II) as well as be an assistant coach for Palo Alto College in San Antonio.
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Permalink Reply by Laura Walker-Holmes on -
I was a college coach for 5 years at the Juco and DII level - I am now a head high school coach in Texas at a large high school. Honestly, you need a connection to get into college coaching! If you do not know anyone your chances will be slim to none to get in that door. I would say get some contacts going, you would be better off starting at the JUCO level, not making much money, probably living in the dorm as a resident assistant, I did!!! lol. Another avenue is to be a greaduate assistant - that is a GREAT way to get in and to network. Trust me - at that level it is ALL about who you know!!! Hope this helps. I would say being a GA would be the best bet to get in the door.
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Permalink Reply by Kareem Smith on -
Did you ever think about coaching AAU basketball, that is where i got my start. Since then I,ve been coaching at Sacred Heart Highschool in yonkers. However , im trying to land a job on the next level. Its all about working hard , which I'm sure you are doing. You will get there.
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Permalink Reply by Dymetrius W ware on -
Yes it is!. If I were you I would asked my coach could I stay on as a Grad Asst or Volunter. Asked if you could help with video.
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Permalink Reply by Whitney on
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Yea, I definitely would try that route, but unfortunately the coaching staff that was at my college when I played, is no longer there.
Dymetrius W ware said:Yes it is!. If I were you I would asked my coach could I stay on as a Grad Asst or Volunter. Asked if you could help with video.
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