Contacts Episode #177: Dawn Mailloux-Smith

Assistant Athletic Director, Mansfield Independent School District

January 19, 2024

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this interview, Dawn Mailloux-Smith emphasizes the importance of having conversations and building relationships with other coaches on your campus. By supporting each other and paying attention to what's happening in each other's programs, coaches can gain valuable insights and open up opportunities for collaboration.

10 Key Insights from Dawn Mailloux-Smith

"Being a part of athletics can help a young person understand that they can go out and do whatever it is that they choose to do. Because they've been involved in something that has taught them that through hard work, they can achieve goals, dealing with adversity, dealing with setbacks, and just pushing through."

Dawn Mailloux-Smith

  • Building relationships with other coaches: Dawn highlights the significance of working together and supporting one another. By attending their games, making connections with their athletes, and paying attention to what's happening in their programs, coaches can develop relationships that foster collaboration and support.

  • Leveraging relationships for mutual growth: Developing relationships with other coaches enables the sharing of ideas, bouncing off ideas, and finding support. Opening up the opportunity for conversations with other coaches can lead to valuable discussions and support to tackle issues in your own program.

  • Having awareness beyond own program: Actively paying attention to what's going on in other coaches' programs can help identify trends or areas of improvement in your own program. By keeping an eye on what's happening around, coaches can stay informed and proactive in addressing potential issues.

  • Establishing strong parent communication: Dawn emphasizes the importance of scheduling an early parent meeting to provide information and establish a strong foundation of communication. By sharing program details, practice calendars, and contact information, coaches can start building a positive relationship with parents from the start.

  • Setting expectations and program overview: The early parent meeting should include the coach sharing a comprehensive view of the program, including its goals, values, and expectations. Providing this information helps parents understand the program's direction and their role in supporting their children's athletic journey.

"A lot of it, I think, is like conversations and relationships with other coaches on your campus... Are you making connections with them, with their athletes? Are you paying attention to what's going on in their programs also? And seeing... you may never open up the opportunity to have that conversation and to help each other to bounce ideas off each other and to support each other."

Dawn Mailloux-Smith

  • Timely disclosure of relevant information: During the parent meeting, coaches should disclose any necessary details regarding the program, such as tryout timelines or specific requirements. By sharing this information early on, coaches empower parents to make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition into the season.

  • Utilizing informational resources: In addition to in-person meetings, coaches should utilize various resources to share information with parents effectively. This could include sharing digital practice calendars, newsletters, or any other relevant documentation that keeps parents informed and involved in their child's athletic journey.

  • Developing awareness through continuous learning: Dawn encourages coaches to be open to learning and continuously strive to improve their coaching practices. By being receptive to new ideas and seeking professional development opportunities, coaches can enhance their knowledge and better serve their athletes.

  • Engaging in proactive parent communication: Coaches should not wait for issues to arise before initiating communication with parents. Building regular lines of communication, such as weekly updates or check-ins, helps foster a positive coach-parent relationship and opens up channels for addressing any concerns or challenges.

  • Prioritizing relationship-building early on: The start of the season is a critical time to establish connections with parents. By initiating communication early and showing genuine interest in supporting parents and their children, coaches can foster a sense of trust and collaboration that benefits the entire athletic program.

We hope you find these teachable moments and insights from Dawn Mailloux-Smith's interview helpful in enhancing your coaching practices and fostering positive coach-parent relationships. Stay tuned for more valuable content and interviews.

Watch his episode here: You Tube

If you enjoyed this newsletter and find it valuable, please subscribe and share widely within your network. 

Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.

For the best sleep you will ever have, try BEAM DREAM. If you want to try Beam’s best-selling Dream Powder, take advantage of their biggest sale of the year and get up to 50% off for a limited time CLICK HERE.

Athletic Greens helps empower yourself and your health. If interested in learning more about the 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced nutrients of Athletic Greens, click here.

Have you tried recharging with LMNT? Learn more about LMNT and how it can also help revitalize you and your body by clicking here.