At NDB, some student-athletes are taking their love of sports beyond the game by becoming coaches themselves.
Balancing classes, practices and leadership roles, these students are helping younger athletes build confidence and skill while growing as leaders.
Senior Cecily Rambod, who teaches karate, shared that coaching has helped deepen her understanding of discipline and teamwork.
Rambod explained that karate has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, and that history is exactly what motivated her to start coaching. “I’ve been doing karate since I was about three, so it’s definitely been a part of me for a while now,” said Rambod. “It was just really cool to see all these teenagers take on such a big leadership role teaching little kids, so it really made me want to go into teaching.”
Junior Vivienne Butler also gives back through volleyball, where she coaches younger players. “A family friend had a daughter who played at the same club I played at. The head coach had an opening for an assistant, so I signed up and got to enjoy coaching twelve-year-old girls with a similar passion for volleyball.”
For both, coaching is more than just another extracurricular activity. It is a way to share what they have learned and give others the same encouragement they once received. Many student coaches also say that working with younger athletes helps them better appreciate the patience and commitment their own coaches show them.
Senior Anna Street, who coaches an 8U (eight years old and under) soccer team for Belmont United Soccer Club, recalls two of her coaches who inspired her throughout her coaching and athletic journey. “The head coach I work with, Coach Nate, has been a really great mentor… Also, Coach Rich…taught me a lot about coaching and what it means to have patience and how to be a good leader and role model for the kids.”
Student coaches often face the challenge of balancing schoolwork, athletics and teaching, but say the experience is worth it. The young athletes influence their high school coaches just as much as their coaches influence them. Many describe how seeing their players improve and knowing they helped make that happen is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“The most accomplishing part of it is when they go for their belt test and they basically pass,” shared Rambod. “It’s just really fulfilling to me that not only are my students having fun, but they’re also learning and gaining information that I’m giving them.”
Street reflects, “I think one of the most rewarding experiences is seeing their smiles after they score a goal…or make a really good play because they get so excited.”
Their dedication reflects NDB’s spirit of female empowerment and community. By taking initiative and giving back, they show that leadership can come at any age. As coaches, they continue to strengthen NDB’s athletic community one practice, game and team at a time.
