How did you get involved in coaching at SKC?

I was asked by some awesome people to help coach cricket and basketball once I’d left school. I was keen to stay involved in the teams once I’d finished playing to keep reliving my glory days, so it was an easy decision to say yes. 

What sports do/have you played?

Mainly cricket, basketball, rugby and squash.

Have you played any sport at a representative level?

I made some New Zealand squads for squash when I was younger, and then I played for Otago under-17 and 19 cricket teams towards the end of high school. 

What is your favourite part about coaching?

Giving kids the opportunity to be the best possible version of themselves and seeing them build some confidence and character makes it worth it. Plus, winning some games goes a long way, too.

What is your personal coaching philosophy?

For basketball, don’t let him beat your base, and for cricket, dive.

Speak about a challenge you’ve faced and what you did to get through it. Sporting or otherwise.

I used to get stupidly nervous and scared about the thought of losing. Still, after some time off playing and some wisdom from mentors, I learnt to focus on enjoying the process of playing, instead of worrying about results you can’t control.

Advice to young sportspeople?

Participate in every training session, and every game like it’s your last, and savour every opportunity to play sports because being involved in high school sports should be the best time of your life.

Favourite quote? Sporting or otherwise

It’s a bit long, so I’ll only share half from the movie Coach Carter: “Your deepest fear is not that you are inadequate; it is that you are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people don’t feel insecure. We are meant to shine as all children do.”

Article added: Wednesday 14 August 2024