Coaching with Empathy
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University
(VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY) – The Youth Sports Mental Health & Wellness Alliance hosted a Coaching with Empathy workshop, Wednesday, December 4 on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University.
The workshop, led by Bob MacKinnon from the Positive Coaching Alliance, covered numerous topics such as:
- The impact of stress on young people
- The role of empathetic coaches
- How each coach’s own expereince impacts their relationship with athletes
- The “PACT” – Positive, Accountable, Collaborative, and Transparent behaviors in coaching interactions with athletes
- How to apply the “PACT” action steps
Representatives from youth leagues and clubs, school districts, colleges and universities, and other stakeholders from youth sports were in attendance for this interactive workshop.
Quote from Bob MacKinnon – PCA Trainer
“The longer kids stay with sports, the longer they stick with their education”
“For every one piece of criticism given to an athlete, the coach must provide five positive statements or affirmations to maintain the athlete’s overall attention and focus”
More from PCA on Empathy in Sports
Why Coaching with Empathy is Important
If you would like to get involved with the Alliance (FREE to join) please register at the link below
About the Workshop
Bob MacKinnon, PCA
PCA Trainer
Sports: Football, Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse
Bob MacKinnon has had a long & successful career in the Basketball Coaching world. Bob was a College Basketball Coach for 25 years, including stints at the University of North Carolina, Notre Dame, George Washington University, Niagara University, Marshall University, Mercyhurst College and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Bob also has coached in Professional Basketball, having been a Head Coach in the NBA G League for 8 seasons and spent one season abroad, coaching in the Chinese Basketball Association. A noted camp speaker/clinician, Bob has directed camps and clinics in countries all over the world.