Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a local dentist who was blessed to grow up here in Owensboro to a great family! I run my own dental practice. My Dad, Shelby, is a retired dentist and three of my brothers are also dentists. I guess it runs in the family! My wife, Missy, and I have four children – one daughter and three sons. I was runner in high school and college, but started to get more interested in soccer by playing pickup in college and starting to watch, especially the English Premier League. When my children started getting interested I volunteered to coach out at Horse Fork and ended up joining the board, which I have served on for three years now. My oldest son moved to club soccer and I have been the head coach of his team at Owensboro United for two years and have been advancing in my soccer coaching licenses, having just finished my D License course. I love being able to see the boys grow in their love of the sports, their development, and as teammates!
How do you balance being a dad, operating a dental practice and coaching your kids’ teams?
My wife does so much for our family that allows me to be there to coach our children. She runs the kids here, there, and everywhere! She’s a blessing to our family! One of the great things about coaching though is that you have more control over your schedule! I am able to schedule practices on days that are best for our family life and enable us to also have evenings at home. I try to allocate my time to be there for all my kids, but also for my patients, as it’s important to be present with people in the moment!
What principles do you bring to parenting from your role as a coach?
One of the main principles that I bring from parenting to coaching is to let each child be themselves! Remember that each individual is on their own path. Don’t compare your child to another person’s child, just enjoy the journey that they are on and support their development both individually and in sport by fostering a positive environment!
What principles do you bring to coaching from your role as a parent?
Have you ever coached 24 9/10-year-old boys and tried to get them to listen and focus at the same time?! I think it has taught me to be more patient and that has carried over to my parenting. I try to take the time to listen to each of my kids and give them moments just as I do with my players.
What advice do you have for other parents with kids in youth sports?
My Dad has always said, “Remember to keep the main thing, the main thing.” I try to always remember that when coaching. At the heart of sports, they have to be FUN! Otherwise, why would anyone want to play? Make sure you keep them that way and your child will want to play, which will then help them learn other important life lessons that come from being part of a team! Don’t put pressure on your child and remember that development in sports and life will have its ups and downs, but that nurtures their personal growth going forward!
As a parent and coach, what do you want others to know that you have learned from your unique perspective?
I have loved to coach my kids and I think one of the most important things is being able to control the environment in which your child is developing. Making sure that they have a positive group that is encouraging curiosity. Don’t let “not knowing the game” ever stop you from coaching as there are so many resources out there to assist in learning drills, etc for any sport. Get out there and get involved in kid’s lives and the fulfillment will come back to you tenfold!