Michael is a Sports Coaching, Leadership, and Administration Master’s alumni and was a pole vaulter on the Track and Field team.
This blog is focused on when he was a student and his experiences with the SCLA program.
What brought you to the SCLA program?
When I came to MSU I knew that I wanted to be involved in coaching pole vaulting in some fashion in the future. With an undergrad degree in Finance from Miami University, I felt like getting some formal training in coaching and managing both athletes and people would be of benefit to me. With these criteria, and my wanting to stay connected with the sport of pole vaulting in the future, it was a clear decision that the SCLA program was a great fit.
I will be utilizing the skills I learned throughout the SCLA program as well as some program resources to put on a Coach’s Clinic for Grand Rapids Public Schools track and field coaches. This event will involve live demonstrations and technical discussion, with a central focus on positive youth development. We’ll cover pole vault, long jump, high jump, shot put, and discus.
What do you hope to do upon completion of the SCLA program?
That is a good question, and one that I am actively trying to find the complete answer to. I definitely want to continue pursuing a career in the sport of pole vault. This pursuit may or may not necessitate me having another job to support myself, so pursuing a job in finance and continuing to put on clinics for coaches would likely be my preferred choice of work.
What are some highlights of your time in the SCLA program so far?
I have personally appreciated the professional relationships that I have developed throughout the course of the program, including Dr. Andrew Driska. Although the program was online, I enjoyed the ability to go in and talk with Dr. Driska and my other professors in their offices.
What has been your favorite SCLA course so far and why?
I particularly enjoyed KIN 868 – Skill Development. In this course, there was a lot of discussion about skill acquisition and the strategic planning that should go into teaching a skill. Because we met virtually in this course nearly every week of the semester, I was able to share my own thoughts on how these concepts apply to the sport of pole vaulting, as well as consider others’ perspectives given their own backgrounds and disciplines.
Fun fact
A fun fact about me is that I love yoga, and can never turn down an invitation to play golf!