From Lacing up to Blowing the Whistle

By Rigoberto Martinez

Former student athletes from Samueli Academy return to coach their former sport, going from lacing up their running shoes to blowing the whistle find out their motivation and more.

After four years of high school, who would want to come back? Apparently some Samueli seniors are choosing to come back a year after their graduation to become coaches.
“Believe it or not, the real reason I want to become a coach is because I am too attached to the school. I would love to continue to be a firewolf, still present on campus, in some way or form.” said senior Cynthia Anthuche. While some students may oppose younger coaches with less experience, current Samueli athletes are in favor of seniors coming back after they leave Samueli to coach.
“I am okay with them coaching because we already have a relationship with them and know them.” said freshmen Maritza.
“It’s easier to trust a coach that was once your classmate or former teammate. It makes being a team easier.” says freshman Chris.
Some seniors are actually nervous about coming back because of lack of coaching experience and the difficulty of finding a balance between coaching and friendships.
“I think that I am ready to take this step but not sure if I am actually qualified. I am certainly new at this but it reminds me that everyone has that first experience. It's about taking chances and doing your best. I am still trying to figure out the balance between friendship and coaching. I can be pretty serious in work and with friends, completely different. As a coach, I would have to push the team and maybe be a bit more strict. But I think this shouldn't affect my friendship with my teammates.” says senior Cynthia Anthuche. Seniors returning as coaches might not be qualified to coach but they certainly have the heart for it.
Students seem to be in favor of seniors returning and seniors are excited about coming back to be part of the Samueli campus and sports life but some coaches feel like the seniors are not qualified to become coaches. “I think that seniors should stay away from the school and get time to find themselves outside the school. Students should undergo a certain time period before they come back to coach.” said baseball assistant coach, Noah Palacios. Coaches are not to please with seniors coming back but athletes have a different opinion.
The last track season had an assistant coach for track and field. Coach Moises Marquez was a senior at Samueli Academy last year and is currently a freshman in college. He had a positive experience with the team and left a good impact on students. “It was great being taught by alumni because they were able to give you previous knowledge and personal knowledge and personal experience that a coach can’t really give you.” says sophomore Moises.
The tables turn when seniors come back to Samueli to coach. One year they’re the person you are running next to, the person with which you complain about the extra miles coach made you run, and the next year, they’re the ones telling you to run the extra miles, the coach you and your teammates complain about. One day, maybe you won’t be tying your shoes at the starting line but you’ll be blowing the whistle.