A few years ago, and even several months ago, if you were to ask me what my plans were, I’d have told you I’d be preparing for my first semester of physical therapy school, on my way to becoming Dr. Olivia Chapman. Somewhere along the way the title I felt appropriate for my future changed to Coach Chapman. I do not remember an exact time or place this realization came to me, but I do know I felt an undeniable tug on my heart, drawing me towards the profession of coaching. I followed my heart, and it led me to an assistant coaching role at Trevecca Nazarene University.
As a coach, I now understand what every coach and teammate saw in me over the years. We are capable of more than we think, especially on the court. I have the great privilege to speak into young athletes' lives and push them closer to who they were made to be. I see great potential in every player in our program, and I want to help them reach their potential while fostering grow both on and off the court.
Coaching On the Hill offers unique opportunities. I am able to build relationships with the young ladies on our team, be involved in coaching decisions, assist with strength and conditioning, offer spiritual guidance to them, and coach them in a game I love. I am fortunate I coach for a program with a head coach who allows me to be involved in almost every aspect of our program. Being a part of a coaching staff with years of experience has given me the opportunity to learn more than I expected. From plays to offensive and defensive strategies to game preparation, I have learned things I can take with me throughout the rest of my coaching career. One of the most important things I have learned is establishing and building a culture, and how important it is to the success of a program.
Being so closely removed from being a college athlete, I can understand the responsibilities,commitments, and sacrifices our young ladies must make daily. I vividly remember the demands of being a student-athlete. Now I also see, from a coach's perspective, how much room for growth each player has, and how much better they could become. To all current student-athletes, I offer these suggestions to maximize the time you have left in your athletic career:
- Seize every opportunity to get better, athletically and otherwise.
- Seek the Lord and pray no matter your current circumstances.
- Don't be afraid of failure.
- Be intentional and selfless.
- Commit time to putting extra work in.
- Do not resist criticism, coaching or correction. Your coach is only trying to make you better.
I remember hearing the quote, "Find something you love to do, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." I wanted to be able to feel this about my career. I love what I do, and I loved coaching our young ladies this season. I enjoyed going to battle with them each week as they competed at a high level. I have seen growth in each of them, and I am confident they will do great things in life. I appreciate the relationships I have formed with them, and I hope to build those relationships throughout my time on Murfreesboro Pike. These ladies make the early mornings and late evenings much easier. I can count on them to make me laugh or inspire me to be greater by witnessing how hard they work. I am grateful to have the opportunity to coach them.
I truly believe God led me to the place I need to be in this season of my life. I am enjoying coaching, as well being a part of the Trevecca community. I am grateful and fortunate to be a part of a coaching staff pushing me, fostering growth, and giving me a chance to learn from them every day. The young ladies on the team are fantastic. I love serving in this role, and I am honored to be a part of this team as I return to the sidelines, not due to an injury, but to coach a team that is destined for greatness.
#PurpleReigns
- Coach Olivia Chapman
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