Volunteer Assistant Sprint and Hurdle Coach
Kalena
Experience Information
Employer: GVSU Track and Field
Job Title: Volunteer Assistant Sprint and Hurdle Coach
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
My organization is Grand Valley State Track and Field varsity sport. GVSU Track and Field are a division II sport and compete in the GLIAC conference. This team helps fundraise money every year for Make a Wish Foundation and participates in other community events such as Girls Day in Sports and student-athlete panels. This organization has been indoor and outdoor National Champions in the year of 2011, and 2012. GVSU Track and Field is an organization that prides itself on building not only strong athletes but students, and future career holders.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I assisted Coach Keith and Tessa Roberts in hurdles and sprint practice. I help oversee study table hours twice a week for 3 hours a day. I help coordinated scheduling and practice times. I assist athletes in proper lifting technique and running form. I oversee community events such as Girls Day in Sports, Make a Wish Foundation and athlete student panels. I communicate with the athletic administration office dealing with confidential information. I was also left responsible for special events that pertain to our student-athletes such as team dinner, and distinguished speakers. Besides all of my mandatory tasks, I supported student-athletes and advised them in their personal lives.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this internship I have learned so much! I am now First Aid, AED and CPR certified. My communication skills, typing skills, leadership skills, and managerial skills have improved. I have gained a wider understanding of people in general and how to deal with crisis situations. This experience has open my eyes to how expansive the track team connection for support from outside members.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my internship was just being in it and finishing it. I wanted to be a coach someday and help future athletes. I didn't realize how much time and effort our coach puts into the sports outside of practice. Coach Keith and Tessa have a lot on their plate but they are able to do it and do it efficiently. When I was handed some of the tasks and work they do on a daily I was overwhelmed at first. Now, I am very proud of myself in how I have completed all the work and able to still practice with the team. When I learn how to time manage on that level, that was when the internship became easier and I enjoyed it. That was my favorite part.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This internship has influence my future career goal because now I'm not so sure if coaching is what I want to do as a career. Also, I was planning on doing an internship for the winter semester. But with classes and trying to work out at the same time, I realize it's just too much. This internship has pushed me into really thinking about the reality of me being a coach and if that's what I really want. I thought coach was easy and if you loved it, then it should be super easy. But that is not the case. Coach is hard and takes a lot of time and energy. In the beginning of the internship I was drain physically and mentally. I'm not sure if I want to do that as a career in my future life. I'm very glad I took this internship and hope I can find the correct path in life I want to take.