Contacts Episode #181: Jen Brooks

Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In this interview, we talk with Jen Brooks, Athletic Director at Ursuline Academy in St. Louis, Missouri. The conversation centers around Jen's career journey, the importance of relationships and attitude in sports, and the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated industry. They also discuss how to manage parent expectations in school sports, the value of multi-sport participation, and the emphasis on character development over accolades. Jen offers insights from her experience, emphasizing empathy, grace, and authenticity.

10 Key Insights from Jen Brooks:

• The Importance of Relationships: Jen emphasizes that her athletes value relationship-building. She recommends coaches find ways to make genuine connections with their athletes, as this will inspire them to go the extra mile.

• Character Matters: Jen believes in prioritizing character over skill level in her athletes. She would rather play a dedicated and gracious teammate than a top-performing athlete who is selfish or unkind.

• Acknowledge Your Coaches: Jen acknowledges the importance of recognizing the efforts and contributions of her coaching staff. Sharing their ideas and expressing gratitude can significantly impact team morale and cohesion.

• Bring Your Bravery: Jen encourages people to step confidently into spaces where they may not be the majority. Remembering that you belong and deserve to be there can help a person thrive in any situation.

• Learning Never Stops: Regardless of how seasoned you may be in your role, there's always room for growth. Engaging in continuous learning and adaptation can set you up for success.

• Protecting Personal Space: Jen highlighted the importance of setting clear communication boundaries to preserve personal time and mental health. Deciding when and through what medium people can reach you can help maintain a work-life balance.

• Cultivating Compassion: Over her years as Athletic Director, Jen has developed a greater sense of compassion and grace, allowing her to make more balanced decisions for her team.

• Inclusion is Paramount: The spirit of sportsmanship extends beyond the field. Even if an athlete couldn't compete due to an unfortunate circumstance, such as an injury, recognize their contributions to the team in other ways.

• Trust Your Gut, But Keep Perspective: Follow your instincts when making decisions, but also remember the broader context—the practice and the sport itself are one part of a larger life experience.

• Getting Out of the Way: Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your athletes is to not block their path by sticking rigidly to norms. Encouraging them to seize unique opportunities can enhance their overall growth and life experience.

Listen to his episode here

Watch his episode here: You Tube

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

What Keeps Contacts Going.

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