Contacts Episode #176: Marc "Hutch" Hunter

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this interview, Justin Clymo talks with Marc Hunter, Executive Director of UIAAA, and former coach and athletic director, about his experience in the world of athletics. Hunter shares stories from his coaching journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

10 Key Insights from Marc Hunter

• Giving students a voice through feedback loops is crucial. As a coach, Hunter emphasizes the importance of hearing from the students and creating an environment where they feel comfortable speaking up.

• Being organized is key for success as a coach. Hunter admits to being "fairly rigid" and explains that his attention to detail has paid off in his coaching career.

• Coaches need to be aware of the student-athlete as a person, not just a player. Hunter admits that he was focused on winning when he first started coaching, but he soon realized that building relationships with the students was just as important.

• Coaching is not just about X's and O's. Hunter stresses that coaches need to be role models who teach students life skills such as perseverance, resilience, and teamwork.

• Every coach has to start somewhere. Hunter recalls his first year as an assistant football coach, head coach of girls basketball, and coach in track and field. He admits that he was not prepared for the challenges he faced.

• Embrace opportunities, even if they are not what you expected. Hunter explains how a closed door led him to coaching and how it ended up being the perfect fit for him.

• Being a successful coach requires continuous learning. Hunter attends conferences and takes classes to stay current and challenge his beliefs.

• Coaches need to understand their own coaching style and adapt it to the needs of the team. Hunter shares how he had to adjust his coaching style when he moved from coaching high school to coaching college athletes.

• It's important to build rapport and trust with your athletes. Hunter shares how he uses humor to connect with his players and create a positive team culture.

• Ultimately, coaching is about making a difference in the lives of your athletes. Hunter says that the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing his former players succeed in life after sports.

Marc Hunter's interview emphasizes the importance of relationships, continuous learning, and adapting to change. His insights are invaluable for coaches at any level who want to make a positive impact on their athletes.

Listen to his episode here

Watch his episode here: You Tube

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

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