July 21, 2016
Over 300 coaches across all sports from youth leagues to college programs met on Vanderbilt’s campus Thursday at the inaugural The Coach Forum to discuss becoming better coaches off the field for their athletes.
“To be a part of a team you need leaders,” Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director David Williams said to begin the day. “Some of that leadership comes from the players, some of that leadership could come from their parents but most importantly it comes from the people that coach them and work with them. Anything that we could do to make that task not only easier but to help develop people and help young people is an important endeavor. It’s always been important… and now it’s even more important. There are really only two things you need to have and know to be successful: options and the ability to make good decisions. [Coaches] are about giving them the options and helping them understand how to make good decisions.”
With Williams’ words fresh on the minds of the coaches, nationally-renowned author and former NFL defensive lineman Joe Ehrmann took the stage to discuss The InsideOut System, which covers transforming the culture of sports from the inside out. Ehrmann’s message set the foundation for a day full of topics to aide coaches in a wide variety of topics that could affect their athletes.
Speakers covered topics ranging from mental health and depression to concussions to eating disorders, motivation and trust.
Vanderbilt coaches Darren Ambrose (soccer) and Geoff Macdonald (women’s tennis) spoke at the forum with Ambrose covering how to create a values-based culture and MacDonald discussing what he’s learned over his long and distinguished career at Vanderbilt that he wishes he knew as a younger coach. Former Vanderbilt basketball star Shan Foster presented the MEND program, a program designed to end violence against women of all ages.
Vanderbilt sports psychologist Dr. Vickie Woosley was instrumental in arranging the forum at Vanderbilt, which took place at the Student Life Center, along with The Coach Forum founder Scott Hearon.
