Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/133183
"Coaching is my way of giving back to a sport I love," says Daly. "I want to get as many kids as possible involved in an activity that can carry them through their lives. When we get out there, my goal is to have fun – that's the most effective way to spread the gospel. I feel like I have been successful when I am running in Lincoln Park and I encounter alumni who ran cross country at Latin, and are still running. My mission is to make running something that will be a life-long endeavor." "A coach must always keep in mind the true nature of the coaching profession: to guide young people on a journey of self-discovery and learning." When Daly became head cross country coach of the team in 1995, eight to 10 boys participated in the sport each season. Last year, more than 30 boys and 10 girls ran cross country at Latin. "Of course, winning is always the cherry on top in any competitive sport. But my attitude in general is 'Send everyone our way. We don't cut.' When I was in school I was completely uncoordinated and I went out for track because they didn't cut. Then I found out that I was a natural runner, and it changed my life. Everyone has the opportunity to improve with running. The potential to help kids build confidence and feel better about themselves is immeasurable." Daly says his commitment to coaching at Latin lies in the school's balanced approach to sports and life. "The athletics program at Latin does a great job keeping it about the kids. There are realistic goals that keep in mind academic and life pressures. Coaches enjoy the success of winning, but they always remain focused on making it a good experience for the athletes." Renie Finch middle school field hockey and softball Renie Finch has been coaching at Latin since 1981. During her time here she has coached field hockey, basketball and softball. "I consider myself more of a teacher than a coach," says Finch. "I enjoy spending the time and teaching the fundamentals of the game, helping athletes work on their strengths and instilling the basic lessons of sportsmanship and character strength. Practices are precious because they are the times that you find your leaders and it is your opportunity to help them develop their leadership skills." Finch is happy to take a step back and let students take the lead during actual game time. "Because of the nature of field hockey and the size of the field, I feel that once the game starts the players are really on their own. You do your best to give them your all during practice and hope they incorporate those lessons during the game." At the same time, she says her coaching style has evolved over the years, moving away from a focus on winning toward more of a concentration on the whole child and the entire athletic experience for everyone on her team, not just the key players at game time. "Maybe it has something to do with being a mother or Latin's work with the Positive Coaching Alliance, but for me personally the coaching experience has become so much more enriching since I have been able to look beyond winning." One of the most exciting experiences during her years at Latin has been watching how girl athletes have had an opportunity to blossom. "As a girl who loved sports, I was considered a freak when I was in school. It was just not cool to be a girl athlete. Now, not only is it normal, but girl athletes are admired and encouraged. Watching this has been one of the highlights of my career." · Latin School of Chicago 7