Contacts Episode #158: Jolene Fugate

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this edition, we break down a conversation with Jolene Fugate, the league commissioner for the West Catholic Athletic League. Discover the insights and wisdom she shared during the interview, which will surely resonate with both new and experienced coaches. Let's jump right in!

Top 10 Takeaways from Jolene Fugate

• The Importance of Continuous Learning: Fugate acknowledges that no matter the level of preparedness, coaches are never truly ready. The value of ongoing learning and adapting to new challenges is extremely important.

• Transitioning from Club to High School Coaching: Fugate initially loved the transition from club to high school coaching because it offered more involvement and a stronger sense of community. There are always unexpected challenges and benefits of transitioning between coaching roles.

• Background in Athletics: Fugate's background as a multi-sport athlete and college soccer player shaped her coaching career. The importance of personal athletic experiences in informing coaching strategies has played a big role in her career.

• Starting as a Club Soccer Coach: Fugate began her coaching journey by coaching club soccer teams and providing private trainings. This opened the door to other opportunities through the network that developed.

• Making Tangible Changes as a Commissioner: Fugate reflects on the significant changes made during her tenure as commissioner of the WCAL. Following two longtime commissioners was challenging and her proactive approach to improving the WCAL and fostering positive change has allowed her to find success.

• Importance of Sportsmanship: Fugate implemented a Sportsmanship Summit to promote good sportsmanship among students and communities, emphasizing the value of cultivating sportsmanship and character development in student-athletes.

• Adapting to Changing Times: Fugate acknowledges the need for adaptation as athletics and times continue to evolve. Staying current and flexible in response to changing trends is of paramount importance in modern athletics.

• Learning from Connection to Communities: Fugate highlights the value of connecting with the community and learning from those interactions. Community engagement helps shape coaching decisions and initiatives.

• The Evolution of a Commissioner: Fugate describes how her role as a commissioner has evolved over time. The growth and development of her leadership toolbox as she took on the role of commissioner, has been a constant evolution.

• Challenges of Coaching and Leadership: Fugate highlights the ongoing challenges of coaching and the importance of continuously addressing them. The continuous learning and problem-solving mindset required in coaching leadership roles is so important. You need to be a solution finder.

We hope you found these takeaways from Jolene Fugate's interview enlightening and thought-provoking. Whether you are a seasoned coach or just starting, remember the impact you can have on your athletes' lives. If you'd like to delve deeper into these topics or share your own experiences, we invite you to subscribe to our blog, leave your comments, and join the conversation. WCAL Twitter, Fugate Twitter

Listen to his episode #158 here

Watch his episode here: You Tube

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.