PETE Coaching Internship: Track and Field

Kamora Johnson

McKay Student Ambassador

Physical Education

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to run practices, set lineups, and coach a real team? In the PE major, you don’t just learn about coaching, you get to do it. After taking a coaching class and observing a coach in action, you finish with an internship where you step onto the field and coach a high school team for a season.

Here’s what a current students had to say about her coaching experience:

Laurene Powell

Track and Field Coach at Timpview High School

Why did you choose to coach track? 

"In the years following the end of my track career I found myself really missing the sport and the team mentality. I always knew that I was interested in coaching but I didn't think that would be an opportunity as a college student but coaching ended up falling right into my lap!" 

What were you hoping to gain from the experience?

"A big reason that I accepted this opportunity was to gain real experience as a coach. I knew that it would take up a lot of time and pretty much every weekend but being able to work with athletes and get real field experience is something that I can’t let pass."

What surprised you the most about coaching from the “coach side” instead of the “athlete side”?

"Being on the “coaching side” really showed me how much my past coaches put into my training! I already knew that it was a job that you had to do out of love, but I never saw the actual hours and effort put into the behind-the-scenes work."

What did a typical day look like during your internship?

"A lot of my major coaching responsibilities happened at meets. There were times where I was expected to run events, specifically high jump or long jump. I would also make sure that my athletes knew when their events were and went to get ready and what I expected from them that day. On practice days I was expected to lead the jumpers group or help with sprinting. Because I was the only one who worked with the jumpers I had to prepare before practice so that we would always have a plan on what we were going to accomplish in that session.

Outside of practice and meets I would make sure that I was in communication with my athletes group chat to make sure they all knew what was happening. As well as connecting with other coaches at our school so that we could all be on the same page for practice plans and upcoming meets."

What coaching or teaching skills improved the most for you?

"One area that I really saw improvement across my internship was my confidence and comfortability with coaching. I got use to being in front of a group and it helped me grow confidence in my the knowledge of the sport and also in leadership."

Was there an athlete or moment that taught you something unexpectedly valuable?

"I think that all of my athletes were able to teach me while I was coaching. I saw a lot of my high school self in them and because of that I feel like I was able to connect with them better than I ever had teaching before. I was surprised to learn and a valuable lesson are end of season banquet. It was there that I could really see the impact that I’ve made on my athletes. We were a smaller group, which meant that we could get closer and by the end of the season, I think we’d all grown a lot."

What part of coaching did you enjoy the most?

"I really love the consistency that came with coaching. Even though it was a large time commitment it really made my days feel meaningful and forced me to reconsider. What was important in my life. It might be stereotypical but what I enjoyed most were the athletes that I worked with in the relationships that I built. I went from trying to remember their names having a real connection with them really quickly, and it was so fulfilling to see their effort and time paying off."

What should future interns know before starting?

"I believe that all future interns should go into coaching with confidence. I know that it can be hard to have that confidence from the beginning, but it really does make a difference in how your athletes see you and also in the effort that they’ll give you. You’ll also be a better coach if you can have confidence in yourself and your ability to teach others without being cocky."

What skills or lessons will you take into your future classroom or team?

"I think one of the biggest things I’ll take into my future classroom is that the students/athletes can really tell when you care. Isn’t anything surprising but it’s always a good reminder that if they can tell that you care they put in more effort and respect."

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Schedule an appointment with a student ambassador here to learn more about the PE major and coaching.