What are the qualities of a great coach? That all depends on who you ask, but generally, coaches must be able to communicate effectively with each player as well as work together with them to develop strategies for winning games. In order to do this, coaches need to be trustworthy, fair, and consistent in their approach. Players must be able to trust their coach and know that he or she has their best interests at heart, and when they do, great things can happen.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
Athletes have stats that tell us how skilled they are, but how do you measure the (often intangible) qualities of a top-notch coach? At 2aDays, coaches are rated on a 5-star scale for the following qualities: Overall Rating for the Coach, Caring, Motivational, Knowledgeable, and Honest. Raters can then choose up to 5 ‘tags' that best describe the coach. Some examples include: Motivational, Cares About Academics, Dedicated to Players, Great Leader, or Passionate About Coaching. Here are out current top-rated coaches at 2aDays:
1. Bryan Phillips
Hope International University – Fullerton, CA
Men's Soccer Assistant Coach
Division: NAIA
Conference: N/A
One athlete said: Coach Bryan believes in you and is dedicated to his craft. He breaks down the game so that you feel most comfortable when out on the field. He cares for his players on and off the field, always checking in and making sure we are all good. Truly a pleasure to have been coached by him.
2. Pamela London
Sacred Heart University – Fairfield, CT
Women's Softball Head Coach
Division: NCAA I
Conference: Northeast
Related: Recruiting Advice: Why You Should Research a Coach Before You Commit
3. Mark Montgomery
Louisiana Tech University – Ruston, LA
Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
University of Maryland-College Park – College Park, MD
Women's Softball Head Coach, Coed Softball Coach / Recruiting Coordinator, Women's Softball Head Coach
Division: NCAA I, NCAA I – FBS
Conference: Big Ten, Conference US | C-USA
4. Tom Peterson
La Salle University – Philadelphia, PA
Women's Cross Country Head Coach, Men's Cross Country Head Coach, Men's Track & Field Head Coach, Women's Track & Field Head Coach, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach
Division: NCAA I
Conference: A-10
One athlete said: From an international point I have won the lottery with coach Peterson. We got asked to tick a few boxes but there is not enough to describe him. My experience has been amazing and I would recommend anyone to get coached by him. He's a unique coach as he relates to you because he has been there himself therefore he knows what we go through in our day to day. He will talk one on ones very often to make sure we are [comfortable] and happy with he's coach and upcoming races.
5. Kari Pickens
Ashland University – Ashland, OH
Women's Basketball Head Coach
Division: NCAA II
Conference: Great Midwest Athletic | G-MAC
One athlete said: She makes you feel extremely capable, holds you accountable, and is very knowledgable.
Related: Making a Good Impression: 4 Tips to Speak to a Coach as a Recruit
6. James Cooper
Grambling State University – Grambling, LA
Men's Baseball Head Coach
Division: NCAA I
Conference: Southwestern Athletic
7. Kerstin Matthews
Saint Anselm College – Manchester, NH
Boston University – Boston, MA
Women's Ice Hockey Head Coach, Women's Ice Hockey Associate Head Coach
Division: NCAA I, NCAA II
Conference: Hockey East Association | HEA, New England Womens Hockey Alliance | NEWHA
One athlete said: Matthews is the whole package. Epitome of the perfect coach. To be a good fit for her and her program you must be a good person, an extremely hard worker, and a team player. Everyone has a role. She'll help you find yours.
8. Jeff Wilson
City College of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
Women's Soccer Head Coach
Division: NCAA III
Conference: Coast to Coast Athletic | CAC
Related: Is Your Coach Transferring? 6 Tips to Help College Athletes Deal With a Coaching Change
9. Tara Sinclair
Misericordia University – Dallas, PA
Women's Cheerleading/Dance/Spirit/Stunt Head Coach / Cheerleading
Division: NCAA III
Conference: Middle Atlantics
10. Dianne Dailey
Wake Forest University – Winston Salem, NC
Women's Golf Head Coach
Division: NCAA I
Conference: Atlantic Coast | ACC
One athlete said: She took my short game to the next level and I was able to accomplish so much more than I ever imagined.
To be a good coach, you must have all the above characteristics in common with other great coaches. You don't need to have played at a professional level or even coached at the highest levels of competition; what matters is your ability to inspire players and help them improve their skills year after year. With this knowledge, coaches can achieve success with their players.
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Image Credit: Twitter/Richland Source/Misericordia Athletics/The New Star
* Originally published on February 14, 2023, by Kelly Wick
