A Memory That Shaped My Coaching Philosophy
I have a clear memory of a pre-dawn run a decade ago through the streets of Los Gatos. As my friends and I jogged in the darkness on a chilly winter morning, barely able to see each other’s faces, a conversation unfolded that would stick with me for years.
My running partner Mary O’Grady, now an engineer at Stryker, was telling us about her experiences as a student-athlete at Johns Hopkins University. What struck me was how she balanced her demanding academic life (earning both undergraduate and master’s degrees in bioengineering) with her commitments to the cross-country and track teams, all while remaining active in her church community.
When someone jokingly asked if she had any “real college fun,” Mary’s response was enlightening:
“I had plenty of fun and made plenty of friends. All my friends had to be in my lab, on my team, or in my church, and that was fine. Those were the people I went to parties with and had fun with. That was a great college life! I took care of my mind, body, and my soul.”
My Approach and Hopes for Monta Vista Cross Country Athletes
Mary’s experience can be a model for Monta Vista cross-country athletes. Here’s why:
- Mind: Monta Vista offers numerous academic opportunities to challenge and grow your intellect. This is not an easy school, and you can find plenty of academic challenges!
- Body: As part of the cross-country team, we are committed to developing your physical abilities. We have that part nailed for anyone committed to our team!
- Soul: I’m always excited to learn about our athletes’ involvement in activities that nourish their spirits, whether dance, music, journalism, debate, or religious pursuits.
This holistic approach isn’t just a good idea; it’s backed by science. One of my professors at UPenn, James Pawelski, has been researching the role of the arts and humanities in thriving and flourishing lives. (For those interested, I’ve attached an article by Pawelski and his research partner, Louis Tay. The abstract and introduction provide a good overview. It’s a pretty dense piece…I know, because I had to write a paper about the subject! You do not need to read this…it was assigned to me, though! The point is…this is not just your coach saying ‘this is what I think,’, there is academic support for my belief that things that feed our soul are important in thriving lives.)
The Challenge: Time Management and Focus
Balancing these aspects of life requires careful time management and focus. Mary’s success at Hopkins came from her ability to prioritize her commitments ruthlessly. She chose three areas to focus on and organized her life to excel and keep her commitments in those areas.
The challenge for high school students is slightly different. Mary was four years older than you when she was going to school and running for Hop. You all are still in the exploratory phase, trying out various activities to discover your passions. This is normal and healthy, but giving each activity enough attention is important to determine if it truly resonates with you.
Angela Duckworth’s book “Grit” offers valuable insights on discovering your interests (chapter six) and how parents can support this process (chapter ten).
Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to try to impress colleges by participating in a wide range of activities. However, colleges typically prefer to see depth in a couple of areas rather than breadth across many. Focus on developing your skills and passion in a few key areas that truly matter to you.
Embracing Your Journey
As your coach, nothing excites me more than seeing you pursue your diverse interests, whether it’s bharatanatyam, scouts, writing, piano, volunteering, research or another passion. I’ve had the privilege of attending many performances by our runners over the years, and it’s always a joy to see you shine outside of running. You don’t have to give up academics, running, or one more big thing in your life…keep the list pared down and focussed.
Keep exploring, keep striving to find that balance between academics, athletics, and your other interests. Remember, I’m not just on your side—I’m your biggest fan. What you’re doing now is laying the foundation for a thriving, fulfilling life.
A closing thought: It’s mind-boggling to think that when I was out running with Mary, our current freshmen were two or three years old. Holy smokes. Time flies, doesn’t it?
Downloads
