05 Nov 2024 PCSSD: Where hustle meets heart
By Jessica Duff
Throughout Pulaski County Special School District’s Maumelle feeder, coaches are dedicated to their students’ development not just as athletes, but as teammates, scholars and young adults. Hustle meets heart in every program offered, from cheer and soccer to basketball and wrestling. Four Maumelle High coaches share their path to coaching, their hopes for their programs and how sports help develop well-rounded students.
Coach Katrina Jones was drawn to her position as head cheer coach at Maumelle High because she enjoys mentoring young adults. She champions the development of both competitive and life skills for her athletes. “I hope my cheerleaders gain not only physical skills, but also personal growth through discipline, resilience and leadership,” she said. “Participating in sports can teach athletes to work as a team, learn how to persevere and learn the value of commitment and teamwork.”
Coach Zachary Noga came to coaching during his time as the Benton Parks & Recreation program planner. “I was helping lead their tennis, softball, pickleball, volleyball and track and field programs,” he said. “I realized I love teaching kids, and I love building them up and helping them learn new skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.” Coach Noga has coached cross country and baseball for Maumelle High and is currently the head tennis and boys’ soccer coach. His hope for his student athletes is threefold. “I hope that they learn to be a part of a team, and that practice doesn’t make perfect but it does make you better. And finally, I hope that they are able to make lifelong friendships and memories.”
Coach Grover Garrison coaches both girls basketball and track and field. He enjoys the impact he can make on and off the court and highlights the positive influence athletics can have on academics. “Athletic programs are vital to education because they promote physical health, mental resilience and emotional well-being,” he said. “Through sports, students learn teamwork, leadership and responsibility, all of which contribute to their personal growth. Athletics also teach valuable skills like time management and discipline, which can improve academic performance. Additionally, athletic programs build school spirit, foster community and provide opportunities for scholarships or career paths. Overall, they help develop well-rounded individuals prepared for success in both life and academics.”
Maumelle High’s wrestling program is headed up by Coach Phillip Brixie. He was new to the sport but stepped up when the program needed coaching help. “I fell in love with wrestling and coaching after that first year and am still passionate as I go into my fourth year coaching,” he said. Coach Brixie hopes wrestling offers his students something positive and bigger than themselves to be involved in. “I hope that my athletes learn they have what it takes to accomplish anything they set their mind to in life,” he said. “Wrestling is one of the toughest sports out there, both mentally and physically. If they can go through a wrestling program and not give up or quit, they can take the tenacity wherever they go in life and be successful.”
