Brittney Matta in the head softball coach at South Mountain Community College. In her first year as a head coach, Brittney's program was cut in the middle of the season. The setbacks seemed enormous, and Brittney tries to continue coaching despite the new challenges of COVID19. She tries to keep a team motto, "Greatness is a way of life" front and center in her mind.
For Brittney, a game against Mesa Community College on March 17th was the turning point. The game was supposed to be rained out, but both teams agreed to push through it. She's glad they got the chance to play that last game before the season was cancelled.
When she thinks about her team, she worries about how they are dealing with the pressures of working and learning from home, along with their physical and mental well-being. She strongly encourages faculty to be clear with deadlines and expectations, and to structure communication in simple weekly announcements. Try not to overwhelm or confuse students. Most student athletes respond well to structure.
Brittney misses "those first few minutes before we actually start practice," when she would check in with the students, say hello, and give hugs. She misses the relationships with her team, building greatness on and off the field.
She encourages us all to be aware of the many pressures and challenges facing our students during this difficult time.
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Show notes:
Interview Date: 7/21/20
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