Taylor Fodor, NCSA
Earlier this month, the team at Next College Student Athlete caught up with coach Bryn Rourke, a softball coach at Adrian College (MI), to pick his brain and learn more about what drives him to be a successful coach.
During the interview, Bryan talks about how important it is to hold ourselves accountable to the values, standards and core values that we set for our teams. As college coaches, we have control over the types of attitudes and mindsets that our teams exhibit, and the type of recruits that we attract to our programs!
This week, we catch up with Nick Ford, a basketball coach from Trinity International University (IL), to learn more about the values that motivate him to go from starting point guard on a national championship team to successful college coach and recruiter. Click here to continue.
- Tell us about your background in coaching. How did you get into coaching? Why do you coach?
I got into coaching right after I finished up my playing career at Cardinal Stritch. I started as a student assistant and then was the graduate assistant for a year at Stritch. I coach because I love the game of basketball and to help kids continue to fulfill their dreams.
- What’s been your greatest accomplishment so far as a coach? What’s been your biggest disappointment?
My biggest accomplishment as a coach has been going to the NAIA National Tournament in my first two seasons. My biggest disappointment came at the tournament when we lost in the final 16 after being ranked #1 the majority of the season.
- What are your biggest obstacles as a coach, and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacles as a coach has been that I am naturally an introvert. With recruiting, that can put you in some pretty tough situations. The way I overcome that is just by showing up every day and forcing myself to be uncomfortable. I’ve gotten a lot better at that part.
- Do you have a coaching philosophy, or mantra that you live by?
My coaching philosophy is that’s the toughest teams win. Mentally and physically.
- Describe the idea recruit, from your perspective?
A tough, hard-nosed kid that lives in the gym. If you love the game and are willing to put in the time, I don’t care how talented you are. You will find a way to win games.
- What advice would you give to new coaches that are just starting their careers in coaching?
Go out and connect with other coaches/players as much as you can. There isn’t some big secret on how to get connected – it’s all about showing up and being at places.
- Describe your “ideal day” as a coach
The ideal day for me is game planning and watching film during the day, executing a practice and then going out and recruiting at night.
- What is one thing that you want other coaches to know about you?
I love connecting with people.
- Do you have a morning routine or ritual?
I get in the Word every morning, other than that every day brings something new.
- Three words that describe your program
Family, Love, Relentless.
At Next College Student Athlete, staff of 500+ former college athletes and coaches take pride in the relationships that we’ve established with you, the college coach. We want to learn from your success and help you be the best recruiter and best coach that you can possibly be.
And speaking of being the best recruiter that you can possibly be, did you know that you have free access to search our database of over 400,000+ athletes? Whether you are looking for new prospects, or simply looking to get access to transcripts, contact info or videos for recruits already on your radar, take advantage of this free recruiting tool today.