Why Us?
“One of the biggest mistakes we continue to make in coaching is to assume that all children learn the same way or at the same rate. Successful teaching and learning depends on the ability to adjust, modify and experiment.”
Meet the Coach
I chose coaching as a profession because I wanted to do it differently in America. From my first experiences in the US coaching the Tempe Racquet & Swim Club in Tempe, AZ in the 1970’s to becoming Assistant Coach for the UCalgary swim team, my coaching style has far from remained the same. At the start of my journey, I coached in the only style I was familiar with - the “autocratic” one. This is a common syndrome of former athletes entering the coaching ranks. I realized the trap but didn’t know what to do about it. I decided to change my philosophy and my coaching style after long deliberations and lots of research into sports psychology, which I ultimately minored in while studying for my PhD. I realized I needed to understand the athletes - and myself - better. Not only that, but I recognized that most of all I needed to grow in my profession. This is ultimately what led to the creation of CoachingBest: a new approach to developmental training, competition format, and recovery programs designed to be age and skill level appropriate, promote an athlete-centered model versus the ‘win-at-all-costs’ mentality, and foster community while emphasizing FUN, skills, and achievement.
- Coach Monika
Mission Statement
CoachingBest believes that any child can learn and progress to achieve their best - whatever that may be. It is our goal to develop physical literacy in a positive sporting environment by having fun and shaping young athletes to achieve their optimal skill potential. To be the best and remain the best among all others in all domains, including the ethical and moral side of sports is the driving philosophy behind CoachingBest.
Accolades
2007 - Present University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology, Emeritus
1975 - 2007 University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology
1976 - 1990 Western Reserve Club – Team America (Summer Program/Aquatics) – Tempe, AZ
1991 - 2004 LA84 Foundation (former AAF) – Summer Master Coach in Residence*
1976 - 2004 Calgary Gymnastics Club/Recreation Program – Director/Head Coach
1996 - 2004 Arête Sports/Kalos Swim Team – Director/Head Coach
1982 - 1985 University of Calgary – Varsity Swimming/Ass Coach
1975 - 1981 University of Calgary – Varsity Artistic Gymnastics/Head Coach
1971 - 1975 Tempe Racquet & Swim Club – Tempe, AZ Aquatics Director/Head Coach
1972 - 1975 Arizona State University – Varsity Gymnastics/Varsity Track & Field/Head Coach
Coach Development
Developed and educated over 27,000 coaches to date, locally, nationally, and internationally
2016 - Present Coach Developer/Canadian National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)
2005 - 2016 Learning Facilitator/Canadian National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)
1976 - 2005 Course Conductor/Canadian Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)
1991 - 2004 *Master Coach in Residence, Los Angeles based 84 Legacy of the Games (former Amateur Athletic
Foundation or AAF), Program Developer for Inner City Minority Youth Education and Leadership
1980-Present Speaker at International Congresses, Coaching Symposiums, and World Clinics
Publication & Production
Author - AAF Coaching Manuals: Swimming and Soccer
Co-author - AAF “Coaching Athletes: A Foundation for Success”
Publication, Curriculum Development, and Video Production (see product catalog for more)
Awards
2021 NCCP Community Coach Developer Award
Alberta 2008 Coach of the Year
Recipient of 14 International Teaching and Coaching Awards
3M Teaching Fellowship Award for Outstanding Teaching at Canadian Universities
Recipient of numerous Teaching Excellence Awards, University of Calgary
