What does it take to be a winning youth coach? Listen in as Diane shares coaching stories and discusses her journey to becoming a successful youth coach.

Diane was an all Big-10 gymnast at The Ohio State University, and has coached 50+ level 10 gymnasts; in 2 years at Solon High School she took the team to state, where they have never been before or since. She is married to a fellow-Ohio State gymnast and has four children ages 17-22.

Twitter: CoachRenzi@kidpeach
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Coaching/Leadership Quote

‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are’ – Theodore Roosevelt

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Coaching your own Kid

2 keys: Separate your home time from your gym time; Wait for your child to ask for advice vs. forcing your advice on them

My ‘Cringe’ Moment

As an ex-athlete Diane expected all the kids to be wired like she was – she had to learn each person is motivated differently

Coaching AH-HA Moment

No matter what effort the child brings to the gym – I, as the coach, will always bring 100% to each practice. I am here to support you.

Teaching Children & Keeping it Fun

Understand the age of who you are coaching. Don’t hold kids to standards that are too high for their maturity.
Educate your athletes – teach the standard, then have a fun competition to challenge them to perfect that skill.

Coaching Resources

Diane’s best coach always made each kid feel like they were the favorite.
Youtube videos:

o  ‘The Gymnastics Minute’ by USAGymnastics
o  Tammy Biggs
o  Mary Lee Tracy

Discipline

Breaking a known team rule – Have a predefined consequence where the punishment fits the crime.
Kids not listening to the coach – You have to first find out the reason why – ‘Anyone can coach the kids who wants it - The coaching takes place when they don’t want it – how do we motivate them?’

Reward, Recognition, and Teambuilding

Teach the kids and parents: To enjoy the successes of others doesn’t take away from my own joy
Diane creates team competitive contests where she intentionally pairs athletes with different strengths
With parents: ‘The best jury is an educated jury’ – Be open and honest with the parents

Inspiring Story

Diane coached one girl who had a particularly bad temper – Diane pumped positivity into this girl and went on to see her turn around and succeed
‘I have my Rosella back’ – A dad thanked Diane for turning around his daughter’s attitude and bringing back her joy.

Winning

Winning is the desire to do your best
Michelle Kwan: ‘I didn’t lose the gold, I won the silver’
As a parent – you should be the one congratulating the kid for winning the silver
Diane encourages her athletes that win multiple medals to share some of the extra medals with their teammates that worked equally as hard

 The One that Got Away

Diane thought her daughter had given up on one of her routines – but she misunderstood the situation and didn’t ask questions first.

 Coaching/Leadership Motivation

Book: Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success
Book: John Maxwell leadership books

Parting Advice

The most important thing you can do is build the confidence in your athlete

Interview Links

HUDL

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