Many of today’s most successful athletes credit great coaching during their younger years for their great development. One of the best ways to keep youth sports fun and successful is to play with the same team year after year. This way, kids, parents, and coaches learn the most about one another. Coach Kenny, of Columbia, MD, has been coaching the same group of girls on the Western Howard County Fever since they were 4 years old. His dedication to his team is why we chose Coach Kenny as our Coach of the Week.
Fifteen years ago, Coach Kenny was an Assistant coach for the local boy’s football team. When his 4 year-old daughter showed interest in fast-pitch softball, he instantly made the switch from boys football to girls softball. The only problem was that there was no girls softball league, so he enrolled his daughter in T-ball. He signed up to coach, and the rest is history.
It isn’t easy to lead a group of athletes in a sport that youve never played. Coach Kenny has put in a ton of work, and it definitely shows. He's attended coaching clinics, devoured softball books by the shelf, and even earned his certification with the ASA. At the end of the day, you can tell that coach is glad that he made this switch and loves what he’s doing. In his own words: “Each and every one of my girls teaches me something every time we're together and I feel that I'm a better person and father for having been given the honor of coaching my girls!”
Coach Kenny leads the Western Howard County Fever 12U Girls Team. They are quite successful. One of the main contributors to their success (aside from great coaching!), is the fact that the entire team ascends the age ranks together. Coach Kenny was the coach when they were 4 year-olds playing T-ball, and he’ll be the coach until his girls are scholarship athletes in college. This year we will be competing in the 11U Nationals in Akron, Ohio.
Great Work, Coach Kenny!
Coach Kenny's Keys To Success:
-Teach your athletes the lifeskills that they'll need as they grow older while still striving to compete at the highest level.
-Learn as much as you can about the game from other coaches, books, and most importantly, your players.
-Keep It Fun!
