Alumni Spotlight
Wes McCauley earned his master’s degree in Sport Coaching and Leadership from Michigan State University in 2019. He is currently a referee in the National Hockey League.
What brought you to the SCL program and what did you want to do with the degree?
I have always thought about earning a master’s degree. I have three kids who play a variety of sports and I have coached them throughout the years. This program has been a tremendous tool that has helped me be a better coach to young athletes. I also have the dream of one day coaching at the collegiate level.
What were some highlights during your time in the SCL program?
Too many highlights to list. A few of them were meeting a variety of people from different backgrounds, age groups and sports throughout the program. Even though we were involved in different sports, it was neat to hear about their coaching experiences. The SCL program challenged me to look at my coaching philosophy, adapt, learn and implement different ideas to be a better coach. Lastly, it helped me with my real job. I officiate for a living and this program gave me a better insight to the mind of a coach.
What was your favorite SCL class and why was it your favorite?
All classes offered something different and great. I enjoyed my sports law class but there was one module we did in Psychosocial Bases of Coaching that focused on listening. I have a tendency to talk, therefore my listening skills are not the best. This module addressed the importance of listening as a form of communication. For example, we discussed how when a stranger asks your child a question while you are standing with them and your child pauses. We, as parents, tend to feel its an uncomfortable pause and we usually answer for our child. What this class taught me was maybe our child was just thinking of the answer in their head before they spoke. It really hit home for me both in my job and at home with my kids. After taking this class I have really sat back and not worried about the uncomfortable silence and have become a better listener.
How did the SCL program prepare you for what you are doing today?
The SCL program has helped me tremendously in officiating in the NHL. I have gained valuable insight into the mind of a coach and I have become a better communicator with the players and coaches. It also made me a better youth coach when I help out with my daughter’s teams. I can’t say enough great things about the SCL program.
What is the most important thing you learned during the SCL program?
To challenge coaching beliefs and be willing to adapt and change. To not be afraid to implement new ideas. The most important thing when coaching is that our goal as youth coaches is make the young athletes experience a positive one. That is what should guide us at all times on every team we coach. We can make a difference in people’s lives. Let’s impact them positively!!!
What advice do you have for current or future students who want to make the most of their degree?
My biggest advice would be to open your mind to different ideas and philosophies that are different from your own. Really watch and listen how your fellow classmates coach in their respective sports. I am an big believer that even though we might coach different sports, we are all coaching for many of the same reasons. Therefore, take what other coaches do in their sports and try to implement it into your coaching toolbox.
Is there anything else you’d like to us to know about your time in the SCL program, your work today, or for future students?
I would encourage all youth coaches to try officiating in your respective sport. This this will help you get a better understanding of the rules, allow you to experience what it is like to officiate and make decisions in real time and teach you how to communicate better with the officials during a game. This will make you a better coach in the long run because rather than focusing on the officiating, you can just focus on what your team is doing. You also get a great workout and will HAVE FUN!!!