Meet Coach Jamy: Guiding Young Minds Through Sport and Self-Care

Coach Jamy at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Jamy-lee

Pronouns: She/Her

Hometown: Atlantis

Favorite sport: Netball

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

Ever since I can remember, all I have wanted to do was work with children. All my work experience thus far is working with children, and I love making a change, even if it's only in one child's life. It makes me a better human being to help a child/children reach their full potential and grow holistically as they should. The moment I saw the SoHK advertisement I immediately knew I had to take this chance. As an individual who loves sports and can still learn a lot about them, I took this opportunity to see how it will impact and change my life for the better.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

As a coach, you need to be able to accommodate each learner and be mindful that they may have learning disabilities or struggles. You also need to prepare to accommodate each learner.

For learners who learn better using visuals, I'll incorporate charts, diagrams, or videos.

For our auditory learners, I'll use stories, explanations, or podcasts.

For verbal learners, I'll provide reading materials or writing exercises.

I'll let kinesthetic learners engage in hands-on activities or role-play activities.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

So, one of the biggest challenges was working with shy children.

But I did one-on-one sessions to build that child’s confidence.

Time management.

Communication between the child and me as a coach.

Not having a clear objective and outcome.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

I'm only starting this year, but I already have a memorable moment.

That memorable moment was the day I went for my interview.

I was welcomed by the coaches in the most fantastic way possible.

They got up, introduced themselves, and took my mother’s hand, which was very respectful.

Since then, I've been telling everyone that it was the most amazing interview experience ever. I overthink everything, and I expected the worst, but that was the very best interview, and I met a lot of amazing individuals.

What advice would you give students from similar backgrounds to those attending SOHK programs?

I would advise them to be open to their emotions; by that, I mean the positive and negative. Allow yourself to be human even if you need to be selfish at times by putting your needs, health, happiness, etc, before others. Do not feel bad that you are choosing you! I will advise them to take it easy on themselves because any stress impacts your health. I will advise them to regularly do self-care, which is also one of my coping mechanisms and might work(You look good, you feel good). I will also advise them to ask for help; you are no less of a person to ask for help. It shows your strengths and that you recognize that you are just human, even if it is just talking to a teacher at school who you trust, a school counselor. Get enough sleep, maintain healthy habits e.g exercise, eat healthy, enough sleep.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I focus on positivity.

Set goals, outcomes, and priorities.

Make sleep a priority.

Practice gratitude.

Try to maintain relaxing activities.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

Listening to music.

Singing.

Self-care routines.

Sleeping.

Exercising.

What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

It's important to communicate about your feelings and how people make you feel rather than keep it in communication openly and seek the necessary help. Build and maintain positive relationships with peers, family, and friends because it can provide some sense of belonging and, at times, emotional support. Building positive social connections is important for mental well-being. Stay connected to the people you trust. Get yourself a journal. It may seem simple, but it definitely helps to journal your emotions if you don't feel comfortable talking to anyone. Set boundaries. Keep yourself busy by doing community work, and lastly, care for your body with exercise, enough sleep, and the proper nutrients.