As part of a targeted effort to provide the most positive experience for its student-athletes, and thanks to continued funding from the Needham Education Foundation, the Needham Public Schools and the Needham High School Athletic Department will continue to partner with the PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance).
Committed to enhancing the athletic culture and climate for Needham students, workshops will resume for NHS and middle school athletes, parents and coaches, as well as Needham youth sport organization leaders, coaches and parents. The NHS Athletic Department and the PCA will work together through these interactive workshops and presentations to help establish a shared set of values and common goals for all athletic programs in town, from the youth leagues up through the high school varsity teams.
Needham High School sees its partnership with the PCA as a key component in developing clear, positive expectations for its players, coaches, and fans. Director of Athletics Micah Hauben feels this is a very important aspect of the relationship, as it helps to “promote good citizenship, strengthens community, and is aligned with the district’s goals in relation to Social & Emotional Learning.
In addition, the student-athlete workshops not only look to help develop students into better competitors and teammates but also present participants with leadership techniques and resiliency building strategies. The importance of honoring and respecting the games they play and the values of good sportsmanship are also stressed.”
The NHS Athletic Department is excited to have Tina Syer, one of the PCA’s national keynote speakers, scheduled to come in to run a series of workshops in October. Syer brings with her an incredible knowledge base, having been a standout athlete herself (Captained Division I Field Hockey team at Stanford) and her connection and commitment to youth and high school sports is highlighted by her past and current experiences:
- Coach of the USA Field Hockey "Futures" Olympic Development Program
- Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Stanford University
- USA Field Hockey Regional Coaching Director- managing 25 coaches and 250 top field hockey players in the United States
The PCA program schedule for the fall includes:
Monday, Oct. 1, “Culture, Practices & Games” Workshop—7-8:30 p.m. in the NHS Library. Facilitated by Tina Syer for all NHS Coaches
Tuesday, Oct. 2, NHS Varsity Captain’s Leadership Workshop Facilitated by Tina Syer—12:30-2 p.m. in the NHS Auditorium. Mandatory for all 2012-13 NHS Varsity Captains
Tuesday, Oct. 2, “Developing Winners in Life through Sports” Parent Workshop—7-8:30 p.m. in the NHS Auditorium. Facilitated by Tina Syer for parents of all level athletes in Needham
Visit http://nhs.needham.k12.ma.us/athletics for more information about NHS Athletics and the PCA workshops or contact NPS/PCA Coordinator Karen Mullen at r_k_mullen@yahoo.com with questions.
