Coaching Corps Trains Through Athletics and Inspiration
SDSU students are making a difference in the community through organizations like Coaching Corps.
Given her background in soccer and volleyball, and a lingering curiosity to coach a sports team, she signed up for Coaching Corps, a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports community members to use sports as a way to teach children life lessons. In addition to using sports, the organization also hopes to inspire young athletes to reach their fullest potential. Wehrung is just one of the many SDSU students making a difference in the community.
Today, Wehrung is a head coach for soccer teams with players ages 10 to 12, and said she has found an organization where she feels welcome.
“Every person in the organization has been so nice and genuine, that’s what makes it great,” Wehrung said. “They care about what they’re doing.”
Through Coaching Corps, participants don’t just learn how to dribble a ball, but also about perseverance and teamwork.
In 2010, Coaching Corps began recruiting on college campuses for energetic and dedicated volunteers. In San Diego, SDSU and the University of San Diego were the pilot campuses.
Emily Barnes, regional manager for Coaching Corps, said SDSU was chosen as the flagship campus because there is an athletic-minded community. She said many programs and students at SDSU were interested in community involvement.
Volunteering with Coaching Corps is not a heavy commitment. With a two-hour time commitment per week, volunteers benefit at the same rate as they give.
“The students get just as much from the program as the kids do,” said Michael Rohn, marketing and communications manager for Coaching Corps.
Coaching Corps is adamant about positive reinforcement and encouragement in their coaching methods. Because of this coaching method, Rohn said the children involved are more confident, engaged and play better while partaking in the after-school programs.
Wehrung says this organization attracts an amazing group of people.
“I am part of the leadership team, and they are all just so warm and welcoming,” she said.
Applications to volunteer for the fall season are online now, and teams will begin in October.
This article originally appeared in The Daily Aztec.
