Earning the coveted honor of Coach of the Week is no easy task. When you snag this Weplay acknowledgment a second time, like Stephen Buzzard has done, you know you’re working above and beyond what is required of a coach and mentor.
As basketball season bounces into play, Stephen is busy getting his teams ready for the 2012 season. Stephen is Director of Buzzardball: JRNBA/WNBA and currently coaches the ADV-NBA Celtics 7th-8th grade boys and the SR-WNBA Lynx 5th-8th grade girls. He is entering his 7th year as a youth sports coach.
“I coach because it gives me an opportunity to be a part of my children’s lives in a special way,” Stephen says. “It’s a great connection for me and my kids.”
Stephen says watching his kids, 16-year-old Toph, 8th grader Max and 5th grader Rileigh grow up playing sports, winning championships and teaching them some tips along the way has been one of this best coaching experiences.
Stephen remembers coaching his oldest son Toph’s final game as an 8th grader and recalls an emotional moment when he realized the game would finalize a long period filled with many memories of a father coaching his son.
“That same moment will take place this year with my 8th grade son, Max,” Stephen says. “I hope I’m better prepared the second time around.”
At least Stephen has the option to go back in time, to some extent, if he chooses. Having used Weplay as a resource to manage all of his teams, he will be able reminisce through old team photo galleries and remember the time shared with his sons, daughter and the rest of his players.
Stephen has been a full-time teacher for 17 years at St. Michael’s School in Carmichael, CA and director of Buzzardball, which is comprised of a basketball league, basketball camps and DJ entertainment. He has been married 18 years to his wife, Kristin.
It seems rather fitting that a two-time winner of Coach of the Week would use a quote by one of the most beloved basketball coaching legends of all time to remind everyone what is really important.
“Reputation is what others perceive you as being, and their opinion may be right or wrong. Character, however, is what you really are, and nobody truly knows that but you. But you are what matters most.” --John Wooden.
Stephen Buzzard’s Keys to Success:
1. Make sure that the kids get the best experience possible.
2. It’s not about you.
3. Enjoy every moment.
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