Coaching Standards in Youth Sports
Jacob Soo
BIO: I am from San Diego, California. I chose Whitworth because my mom is an alumnus, and I love the opportunities Whitworth gives to its students. Whitworth allows you to think as big as you want to and will assist you in your pursuit of your dreams. I have made lifelong friendships while at Whitworth. Whitworth has allowed me to be involved in activities I thought you just couldn’t obtain while in college. I have had the opportunity to be the Social Media and Marketing Manager of the Whitworth Radio Station and the official commentator for multiple Whitworth sports. I have had four internships during my time at Whitworth, ranging from being a communication and networking strategist at a church to being an assistant coach for Gonzaga Prep Baseball. These have allowed me to use the skills I have learned in the real world and understand how to live out my faith in different vocations and locations. I plan on going to grad school through Whitworth to pursue my MBA after I graduate.
MAJOR: Communications
Minor: Athletic Coaching, Business
Project Overview: One of the main reasons that kids quit sports is because of poor coaching. When coaches are hired, they are often not properly trained. This project aims to fill a gap in the research when it comes to youth sports coaching and training and can be a valuable piece for coaching journals and local athletic associations. This project also sheds light on how youth sports coaches could be more comprehensively trained and can be valuable to any parent seeking a better athletic experience for their child. This project does not only focus on the basic skills needed for youth sports coaches, like CPR and first aid, but also on more complex skills like emotional control and creating an inclusive space for young athletes.
Research Question:
How does the level of training youth sports coaches receive impact athlete retention and the overall experience?
