Final Reflection

My Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies in Athletic Administration from East Texas A&M University has been rigorous and rewarding in graduate school. Since I am a full time teacher and coach, the online format of the program allowed me to keep learning while working. This permitted me to rapidly transfer course concepts into daily life within my athletic programs and to hone my knowledge and effectiveness as a coach. When I started this program, I was more aware of becoming a head coach and what would happen with my career as I continued on with my academics and what I wanted to do as a career, but as my studies progressed, my goals grew in my mindset to be an athletic administrator. It's since then that this program has influenced me to accomplish those goals in allowing me to gain the knowledge and expertise I need to help with running and managing an athletic program.

 

Real world implementation was one of the advantages that this program brought with it. Topics like Sport Law, Sport Facilities and Event Management, Finance and Economics of Sport, and Administration in Sport and Recreation Programs have given me a strong basis in all areas that are necessary when creating and maintaining an athletic program. I learned a lot about organization, planning, budgeting and program evaluation when undertaking work to develop a class as I was given the tools to analyze facilities, create funding, fundraise analysis, leadership assessments, among others. Those sorts of experiences helped give me insight behind and in response to real issues like the scarcity of money, improved facilities, and developing athletes. I took this in order to acquire further professional skills that I have to handle issues on a continuous basis. The program also emphasized research and writing, which enhanced my ability to think critically, analyze data, and make informed decisions, skills I know are crucial in coaching and administration.

 

One other important lesson from this program was the focus on leadership and athlete-centered development. Classes of sport psychology and leadership gave me a better perspective of motivational theories, coaching methods and team culture. Servant leadership and mastery-oriented motivational climates are two ideas that have driven me to improve coaching by emphasizing the development of athletes and overall wellbeing, beyond the immediate performance of a player. This has already influenced me as a coach and I believe that I do a better job of building a more conducive and supportive environment in which those athletes are able to compete. But there were many things to be said that I think this program stands behind it and has enabled me to take that next step through my career.

 

Since then I have learned how to manage my time, juggle duties, and become an effective leader in my own work and at home. The information and skills I will acquire will enable me to be a leader in whatever field I serve, head coach or athletic administrator. Going forward, I want to contribute to the development of athletic programs that are student athlete focused and develop programs of inclusivity and access and promote success, but more importantly, success for students across the country and beyond. I know I can reach those goals and have a positive impact in the field of athletics thanks to this program where I have been given the tools and the confidence to do so.