Coaching changes are always hard. Going from coaches athletes had for years and years, and having to cope with the change of meeting and bonding with new coaches can be difficult. This year, the Rock Island Girls Track Program got new coaches for every event. Eddie Williams is the Head Coach, and also the Throwing Coach, Tammy Rice as the Sprints and Hurdles Coach, Ellery Stewart as the Jumps Coach, Anthony Pena as the Distance Coach, and Valerie Holland as Pole Vault Coach. “We believe”is a phrase all of the coaches use, and is about believing in working together to become the best they can be.
From an athlete’s perspective, senior Cheyeane Stanley from Rock Island High School, and 4th year Varsity Track athlete, says that she is excited for the “champion coaching style” and that, “These coaches are there because they want to prove that our team can do what everyone wants to do.” Having the same mentality will help bond with the new coaches and the team having a strong mentality, as a whole.
One challenge Stanley says that might be difficult having new coaches is losing the comfortability she had with old coaches. “I understood the way the coaches thought, and they understood me the same way,” she stated. “Making our team feel like a family” is one thing Stanley thinks the new coaches should bring back.
Although Eva Essman, a Senior at Rock Island High School hasn’t yet met any of the coaches, due to a finishing Basketball Cheer season, she is coming in with a positive and open mind after having ran track for the last 6 years. “Being able to compete and leave it all out on the track” is something Essman is looking forward to this season. “Change is always good, having new coaches will cause things to be different,” Essman states.
The 2024 girls track season is just getting underway, and everyone is stronger, mentally and physically, and they are ready to take on this season. The coaching staff is bringing new ideas and knowledge to the team, and are ready to compete against the Western Big 6 and other competitive schools.
