Coaching high school sports isn’t just about drawing up plays or shouting from the sidelines. It’s about energy, connection, and helping young athletes grow on and off the field.
Ms. Nyhus has been an athlete for as long as she can remember herself. “I’ve played sports my whole life,” she said. “Coaching is my way of giving back to the sports I love.”
For her, coaching is about more than just the game. She works hard to build trust with her team by talking with them about life, not just sports. “I want my players to know I care about them as people too.”
What makes her smile the most? Watching her athletes improve. “Seeing them get excited about their growth is the best part.”
When it comes to tough situations or discipline, she focuses on calm conversations. “It’s important to talk with them before or after practice—just a real conversation.”
To be a great coach, she believes in listening, staying positive, and always learning. “You don’t need to know everything right away. Just be passionate in all you do.”
Her advice for anyone thinking about coaching? “It takes time, but it’s so worth it.”
Mr Schneider’s journey started with his own high school running days. “My coach made running fun and challenging. It changed my life,” he said. That spark carried him through college running and into coaching.
For him, trust comes from the miles. “Running side by side builds respect. You learn a lot about someone on a long run.”
Big wins are great, but what really matters to him is watching athletes reach goals they never thought possible. “Even finishing your first 5K can be huge.”
He believes clear rules make things easier when problems come up. “If everyone knows the expectations, there are no surprises.” Most issues? A direct, honest talk usually works best.
Schneider says patience and flexibility are key. “A million things can happen in a season. You have to roll with it.”
Motivating his team during hard times means mixing things up. “Sometimes a day of games instead of a workout is what they need to reset.”
His advice? “If you love your sport and like working with teenagers, give it a shot. Coaching can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.”
Coaching high school sports takes more than knowledge of the game. It takes heart, humor, patience, and a whole lot of energy. Whether it’s building trust on the run or encouraging growth through every win and loss, coaches like Ms. Nyhus and Mr. Schneider are changing lives—one practice at a time.
