Never Stop Learning: My Journey from Volunteer Track Coach to USATF Certified and Beyond

Stepping Onto the Track: How It All Began

In 2022, when my oldest daughter signed up for track in 3rd grade, I was asked if I’d be interested in volunteering to assist the head coach. Without hesitation, I said yes. What started as a simple decision quickly became a passion. I found immense joy in helping young athletes develop their skills, and I realized that coaching paralleled my professional experience—mentoring and guiding others toward growth. It was a natural fit, and I wanted to learn more.

Overcoming Early Challenges Through Learning

Stepping into the coaching world wasn’t without its challenges. I had to familiarize myself with track and field concepts, learn the drills, and adapt to working with young athletes rather than professionals. I relied on the head coach’s guidance, asked countless questions, and did my own research. Reflecting on my own experiences as a youth athlete also helped me determine what resonated most with young learners. I knew that if I wanted to be the best coach possible, I had to continuously seek out knowledge.

Taking It to the Next Level: USATF Certification

My drive to learn pushed me further. When I asked the head coach how I could improve, she suggested pursuing the USATF Level 1 Certification—so I signed up. The certification process was intense. It spanned an entire weekend, with classes running Friday evening, all day Saturday, and most of Sunday. Afterward, I had to pass a rigorous exam, requiring a score of 80% or higher. The effort was well worth it. I walked away with a deeper understanding of each track event, how to analyze performance, and how to implement targeted drills. More importantly, it reshaped how I coached—I could now identify areas for improvement with greater precision and provide more effective feedback.

Specializing in Long Jump and High Jump

I’ve always been open to trying new things, and when the head coach asked if I would take on long jump and high jump, I embraced the challenge. I received positive feedback—both from the coach and the kids, who genuinely enjoyed my coaching style. This encouragement reinforced my confidence and pushed me to dig deeper into these events, focusing on the technical elements that could help each athlete improve.

Identifying Common Challenges and Finding Solutions

As I gained experience, I noticed recurring challenges among young jumpers. Many struggled with understanding event fundamentals, executing proper knee drive, arm movement, and takeoff techniques. My approach became threefold:

1. Teach the basics – Ensuring they understood the mechanics of each jump.

2. Use visual feedback – Showing them what they were doing and how to tweak their form.

3. Prioritize fun and learning – Reminding them that they’re in the early stages of their track journey and should enjoy the process.

   
   

Integrating GenAI into Coaching

At the same time, I was exploring GenAI in my professional life and saw an opportunity to apply it to coaching. As I prepared for the 2025 season, I wanted to elevate my practice plans—and what better tool to assist than AI? Using ChatGPT, I developed age-appropriate drills tailored to my athletes' needs. This technology has helped me create structured workouts that focus on key areas like approach consistency, takeoff, and landing, ensuring that my athletes get the most out of every session.

The Power of Lifelong Learning

Through this journey, I’ve realized that there is always something new to learn. Even in areas where we have experience, there’s room for growth and refinement. Lifelong learning ensures that we stay current, adaptable, and continuously improving. Whether in coaching, careers, or personal passions, embracing a mindset of continuous learning opens doors to new possibilities.

My Advice: Keep Learning, Keep Growing

If there’s one piece of advice I can share, it’s this: You’re never too old to learn something new. The more you seek knowledge, the more you realize how much there is to discover. No matter what field or passion you pursue, staying open to learning will always enhance your abilities and enrich your journey.

As I step into the 2025 season, I’m excited to keep learning, keep coaching, and keep growing—because the journey never truly ends.