Marine Corps Base Quantico -- “The purpose of the Marine Corps Coaches Workshop is to bring national coaches from across the country and give them an immersive experience into the Marine Corps culture,” said Lt. Col. Brian Proctor, diversity officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. “They can take what the Corps does as far as tactics, techniques and procedures back to their schools to help improve their teams.”
The Coaches Workshop brings college coaches from around the nation to Marine Corps Base Quantico for one week in order to show them the many different aspects of the Marine Corps so they can return to their communities and share their experiences.
Throughout the week coaches participate in the leadership reaction course, the obstacle course, leadership discussions, Marine Corps martial arts training, combat patrols, and a visit to the Marine Corps evening parade.
Additionally, it gives participants an accurate perspective about the Corps, showing them that the Marine Corps is a viable career option for young people with whom they interact daily.
“I don’t think there is a word past respect,” said Doshia Woods, assistant female basketball coach with Tulane University. “On all the levels I was thoroughly impressed with how prepared Marines are, both in the classroom and on the field. The preparation to lead our country is phenomenal. The level that Marines go to to ensure that they’re America’s finest has been very impressive.”
There are three missions vital to the Marine Corps success: making Marines, winning battles, and returning quality citizens. By exposing these motivated leaders of America’s youth to Marine Corps traits and values through the workshop, Marine leaders intend to build mutually beneficial relationships with our nation’s top coaches while instilling some of the Corps’ leadership traits into the coaches themselves.
“What I was hoping to gain from this workshop was a validation of whether or not we were running our program the correct way, or are there additional traits we can bring to help make our program stronger?” said Joe Some, head men’s volleyball coach, Ohio State University. “This week I learned different ways to affect our players in a positive way and make them better student athletes.”
In one scenario guests make decisions under stress, similar to those a lieutenant would make while attending The Basic School, a six-month long course that introduces Marine officers to basic combat fundamentals. They then discuss decision making during highly chaotic situations and what it means to be a true leader.
“The most memorable moment was going on patrol with my squad,” said Karen Weatherington, head volleyball coach, University of North Carolina - Charlotte. “It taught me how hectic things can get, it’s a life or death situation and Marines take care of each other like family,” she said.
At the end of the week coaches received a certificate to signify their completion of the program, a memento they can hang on their walls as a daily reminder of the lessons shared here and a conversation starter for visitors to their offices.