Coaching Through Purpose

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In the latest episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clymo sat down with Brendan Erickson, Assistant Basketball Coach at William Jessup University. Calling in from a brief vacation in Tahoe, Erickson shares his comprehensive journey in basketball coaching, from his beginnings as a high school coach to his current role at the collegiate level. This conversation unpacks Erickson's insights gained over decades of coaching, the evolution of youth sports, and his approach to developing athletes both on and off the court.

Journey into Coaching: Brendan Erickson’s coaching journey began unexpectedly when his high school coach reached out to him with an opportunity to start coaching. Accepting the role of freshman head coach not only jumpstarted his career but also changed his life’s direction, offering him a deep sense of purpose. Over the years, Erickson has held various roles, from a JV coach at Newark Memorial to his current position at William Jessup University. He has coached at several schools and dealt with the challenges of managing teams with limited resources, offering him valuable lessons along the way.

Mastering the Jump - From High School to College Coaching: Erickson’s transition from high school to college coaching highlights the diverse set of challenges and opportunities each level presents. At William Jessup University, despite facing limited resources, he emphasizes the importance of relationship building and community engagement. His experience at Casa Roble High School, where he transitioned from an assistant to a head coach position, stands as a testament to his adaptability and leadership capabilities in revitalizing a struggling program.

Club Sports and Multi-Sport Athletes - Balancing Development: Erickson addresses the contentious issue of club sports, a domain often perceived as prioritizing individual success over team commitments. Through his AAU team, Erickson emphasizes developing basketball skills while ensuring that players receive truthful guidance regarding their potential futures in the sport. He is a strong advocate for multi-sport participation, which he believes enriches a young athlete’s development by diversifying their athletic skills and experiences.

Embracing the Role of an Assistant Coach: Back in the assistant coach shoes at William Jessup, Erickson appreciates the learning opportunities these roles present. With mentors like coach Mark, Erickson values the reduced pressure while still significantly contributing to team strategy and player development. Reflecting on his past with great mentors, the central lesson has been the critical importance of preparation and organization in achieving success on and off the court.

Understanding and Applying Diverse Learning Styles: In his day job as a middle school teacher, Erickson has honed skills in patience and communication. This experience enriches his coaching, as he applies these principles to engage athletes who learn in diverse ways. Whether through video sessions or practical demonstrations, Erickson extends various teaching methods to ensure his players grasp complex basketball concepts effectively.

Growth Mindset - Openness to Change: Bringing a growth mindset to his coaching, Erickson emphasizes continual learning and adaptability. He now focuses more on stepping back to allow athletes to take ownership of their team dynamics. This evolved approach encourages players to derive their energy and commitment, which fosters a stronger, self-reliant team mentality.

10 Takeaways and Teaching Moments:

• Unexpected Beginnings: Coaching can start from unexpected opportunities, as was the case with Erickson, who was propelled into coaching by a timely phone call from his high school coach.

• Community Involvement: Building a successful team often requires engagement with the community and stakeholders to secure resources and support.

• Patience and Organization: Vital skills for a coach include patience and excellent organizational abilities, especially when transitioning between various coaching levels.

• Challenges of Club Sports: While club sports can offer exposure, the focus should remain on truthful assessments and development over unrealistic promises.

• Value of Multi-Sport Athletes: Encouraging athletes to engage in multiple sports can enhance their overall athleticism and help prevent burnout.

• Adaptability Between Roles: Transitioning from head coach to an assistant position opens up learning opportunities and reflects one’s ability to adapt and thrive in different coaching environments.

• Embracing Different Learning Styles: Recognizing and catering to diverse learning styles enhances coaching effectiveness and athlete development.

• Evolving Coaching Methodologies: Coaches should remain open to evolving their methodologies, encouraging players to take more ownership of their game.

• Relational Coaching: Building strong relationships with athletes can enhance trust and performance, extending beyond technical training.

• Growth Mindset in Coaching: Maintaining a growth mindset is critical, as it allows coaches to remain flexible and innovative in their approach.

Conclusion

In this engaging dialogue, Brendan Erickson eloquently shares his thoughts on modern coaching paradigms, the evolving nature of sports, and the enduring importance of cultivating relationships within teams. His stories and perspectives offer a rich tapestry of insights for anyone involved in sports education, coaching, or youth development.

Listen to his episode here

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.