Something many of us fail to recognize is the work the people around us are really putting in. Here at Santa Rosa Academy, two of our many coaches are being highlighted not only for their performances as a coach but also being a teacher. Education is a very wide spectrum but is something that doesn’t fluctuate too much in expectancy. Being both a coach and a teacher does build up the responsibilities needed even more due to the fact that they give up more time and energy with their own money going to the benefit of their students.
The two professions may seem totally different, they both have similar goals for the students and players. The balance between the two is where Elizabeth Culhane and Morgan Wood seem to thrive. Coach Culhane is the High School Volleyball Girls Coach, and an instructor for teaching Elementary P.E. A quote shared from Coach Culhane on her idea on what makes doing both a struggle,”Balancing the roles of a coach and teacher can be challenging, mainly due to time management and the emotional energy required for both roles.” In the attempt to improve cognitive skills and teaching empathy for highschoolers who are teaching elementary P.E, Culhane also tries to improve physical skills on the volleyball court.
Further examining Coach Wood, she has a similar path to teaching and athletics for high school. Coach Wood previously had been teaching Middle School P.E, getting the girls well rounded throughout their developing ages. Outside of the classes, Coach Wood leads the High School Girls Soccer Team out on the field, improving physical and mental challenges amongst the team.
Similar in any sort of profession, there are both ups and downs. Highlighting some of what Coach Culhane believes are some challenges in doing both teaching and coaching, she expanded on what type of expense that comes from taking on more. Having your day end a lot longer than the school day, Coach Culhane mainly worries about what she has left to give to her team at the end of the day. Especially when dealing with kids who are still in Elementary, they are much more sensitive than the high schoolers, so starting the day with empathy and being ready to care for her classes that may need help teaching takes a big toll solely on her “social battery”.
Coach Wood deals with similar struggles. Both of the coaches have a big love for their sports that they coach, and being able to flip off the frustration or anger they have if something isn’t executed correctly is a skill they have to build on the day to day. After a tough game or practice, that can sometimes take up the mind and affects their moods and actions throughout classes. “The Difficulty is having to shut off what is going on in teaching and focus just on coaching,” Coach Wood shares. Being placed as the leader in either position is a big responsibility on and off the field, and everyone is looking up to them.
Looking at the things they look forward to or “rewards” of the jobs allow them to stay in line with their passions, build connections, and an opportunity to share what knowledge they know to aspiring athletes. “Building strong relationships with students and athletes, witnessing their growth both academically and personally, and creating a sense of community are some of the most fulfilling aspects,” Culhane shares. Seeing every aspect of her student athletes grow is what she really looks forward to and what she hopes they can all experience. “The moments of success—whether in the classroom or on the court—make all the challenges worthwhile, as you get to see real-time growth and development in those you mentor,” Culhane shared.
Coach Wood feels the rewards of the teachings and coaching that she gives to players, when she is able to go out on the field and have a group of girls all chasing the top spot for league and CIF. Those are the main goals for both coaches, but making connections, and seeing the girls live out their dreams just as she did. “My favorite thing is just being able to get out on the field with my players and share my passion,” Wood shared.
These women who give their time and effort for a group of girls each day for months deserve more recognition. Helping out Santa Rosa Academy get onto the board with both education and sports.
