On October 6th, National Coaches Day honors the men and women who inspire us to work harder and do our best.

Across the country in every community, a coach organizes teams, plans practices and training, motivates players to strive to be the best they can be. At the same time, coaches pinpoint areas for improvement and supply guidance. Every sport or competition requires a leader. More importantly, a leader who knows the game and how to drive athletes to work together as a team.

Many coaches maintain a schedule for training, conditioning, and preparing athletes not only for competition but for their best health. Injuries sideline athletes and upset team dynamics. Although a coaches final goal is winning, they do so through a wealth of knowledge. Coaches work to build teams that bond well. They develop work ethics and set standards for their athletes that many carry with them throughout their lifetime.

For many athletes, coaches teach them to focus and how to reach a goal – which sometimes is not about winning. Sometimes the achievement is an improvement, playing by the rules or learning respect for others, themselves, or the game.

Coaches represent leadership, mentors, and inspiration. Often, a coach’s words will echo through an athlete’s mind for years to come, motivating them forward and through difficult times. Rarely do these coaches even know the impact they’ve had on an athlete until many decades pass.

Inspirational Coaches
John Madden – Coach of the Oakland Raiders, he led his team for ten seasons and a Super Bowl victory in 1977.

Kathryn Smith – As the first full-time female coach for the NFL, she inspires by sheer achievement. However, her background offers a unique perspective coaches and players both benefit from.

Herb Brooks – The NHL hockey coach who led the United States a win against the dominating Soviet Union in what became known as the Miracle on Ice.

Tony La Russa – With three world Series titles and a long list of wins, the manager for the Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals dominated the AL and NL during his career.

Cheryl Miller – The one-time basketball coach for Cal State LA, she led her team to two NCAA tournaments. She now reports to TNT as a sports broadcaster.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCoachesDay
Celebrate a coach who inspired you. Share a transformational memory with your coach. No matter how many years have passed, contact coaches who impacted your life and thank them.

Organize a celebration for your coach. Bring the team together and let your coach know how much you appreciate all they do. Invite former coaches to be honored at schools and organizations.

Use #NationalCoachesDay to share stories, memories, and events about your favorite coaches.

NATIONAL COACHES DAY HISTORY
In 1972, President Richard Nixon issued proclamation 4157 naming October 6th as National Coaches Day. He encouraged activities and ceremonies honoring coaches for the friends and counselors they become.

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