Growing up in North Hollywood, California, sports were a huge part of my life. I spent countless hours on the basketball courts, running drills in football, and playing softball with friends and family. Sports taught me lessons that I still carry with me today—teamwork, discipline, and the value of showing up even when things get tough. Those lessons weren’t just for me, though; they became the foundation for the way I coach kids, including my own sons, in football and flag football.

Coaching isn’t just about teaching plays or improving skills. It’s about helping young athletes grow as people, not just as players. I remember when I first started helping out with youth teams—it was about the game, sure, but it quickly became clear that what mattered most was helping these kids develop confidence, leadership, and respect for others. Watching them learn, struggle, and overcome challenges is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

Sports as a Classroom

I often tell people that the field is a classroom. Kids learn more than just the rules of the game. They learn how to handle winning and losing, how to support teammates, and how to work together toward a common goal. Every practice is an opportunity to teach life skills. For example, teaching a player how to pass the ball effectively isn’t just about basketball—it’s about communication, trust, and timing. These lessons extend far beyond sports and help kids in school, friendships, and everyday life.

One thing I focus on is building self-confidence. Some kids are naturally confident, while others need more encouragement. It doesn’t matter what level they start at; what matters is that they learn to believe in themselves. Even a small improvement—a player making a basket they missed last week, or successfully completing a play—can boost their confidence and show them what they’re capable of when they put in the effort.

Leadership on and off the Field

Another key part of coaching is teaching leadership. Every team needs leaders, and leadership comes in many forms. Some kids lead by example, showing dedication and effort in every practice. Others lead by motivating teammates and encouraging others. I make it a point to recognize and nurture all types of leadership because it’s important for kids to see that there’s no single way to be a leader.

Coaching my sons’ teams has been especially meaningful. It gives me a chance to pass on the values I learned growing up while helping them develop their own skills and character. I also get to see how teamwork strengthens their bonds—not just with their teammates, but with family, friends, and their community.

The Rewards of Volunteering

Giving back to the community is something I care deeply about. Coaching youth sports is my way of making a difference in young people’s lives. It’s not about recognition or accolades—it’s about helping kids feel valued, teaching them skills that will serve them for life, and giving them a safe and positive environment to grow in.

I’ve seen firsthand how sports can change a kid’s trajectory. A shy or hesitant child can become confident and self-assured through the lessons learned on the field. A child who struggles with teamwork can become a supportive and reliable teammate. These moments are incredibly rewarding because you’re not just shaping athletes—you’re shaping people.

Lessons Learned as a Coach

Coaching has taught me a lot about patience, communication, and adaptability. Every child is different, and what works for one player may not work for another. I’ve learned to listen more, observe carefully, and adjust my approach to help each kid succeed. I’ve also learned that mistakes are part of the process. Whether it’s a dropped pass or a missed shot, mistakes are opportunities to learn, and teaching kids to embrace failure as part of growth is one of the most important lessons I can pass on.

Sports also remind me of the importance of balance. While it’s important to strive for improvement and success, it’s equally important to make sports fun. Kids should enjoy the game, laugh, and create memories. The friendships, the high-fives, the excitement of a well-executed play—those moments are what keep them coming back and keep coaching so fulfilling.

My goal as a coach is simple: to help kids become their best selves, both on and off the field. I want them to leave every practice feeling more confident, more capable, and more connected to their teammates and community. I want them to understand that the lessons they learn in sports—teamwork, leadership, perseverance—apply to every part of their lives.

Coaching has also inspired me to continue learning and growing as a mentor and leader. Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities, and I take pride in being part of that journey for these kids. It’s amazing to see them develop not just as athletes, but as thoughtful, resilient, and kind individuals.

Sports have given me so much—from lessons in teamwork as a kid to opportunities to give back as a coach. Coaching youth football and basketball is one of the most meaningful parts of my life because it allows me to shape the next generation while sharing my passion for sports. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child light up when they realize they can do something they didn’t think possible.

If there’s one thing I want parents, coaches, and young athletes to remember, it’s this: sports are more than games—they’re opportunities to grow, connect, and build character. Embrace every moment, celebrate every effort, and remember that the lessons learned on the field can last a lifetime.