Recently I sat down with Mr. Minicozzi, coach of both the Varsity Soccer Team and JV Tennis Team here at Ridge, to discuss his thoughts on coaching, what it takes to become a successful athlete, and much more.

Kunal Gautam (Devil’s Advocate Reporter): What sports do you coach?

Mr. Minicozzi: I coach Varsity Soccer and JV Tennis

KG: Of the sports you coach, what is your favorite and why?

M: That’s tough to answer.  I really enjoy coaching both sports for various reasons and what each sport can teach an athlete from a team and individual perspective; therefore, I cannot say I like one more than the other.

KG: When did you first play your favorite sport?

M: I first played soccer at age 3.  I started playing tennis when I was 10.

KG: What aspects does a player on your team need to be successful?

M: To be successful at anything, including sports, an athlete needs to be prepared to work hard in the offseason, and then continue that discipline once the season begins.  In the offseason, it’s about getting your mind and body in shape and prepared for the season ahead.  During the season, an athlete will be successful if they improve on aspects of their game technically, and handle the mental aspects of success and failure that comes with any contest.  Success can be rated by some athletes by the amount of wins or goals they have set for themselves.  As a coach, I feel that if an athlete, or a team, improves as the season progresses, and learned something about what it takes to improve, then there is definitely a level of success attained.

KG: Do you think you have the responsibility of conveying those aspects, or should the athletes learn it themselves?

M: A coach absolutely plays a part in that.  As a coach, it’s my responsibility to provide an environment for the athletes to succeed, make the sport fun so that they continue to enjoy playing, and allow them to express themselves creatively.  However, part of being an athlete is what you do, on your own, when no one else is around.  Success is also built on the preparation an athlete does on his own and the extra hours they take to apply what their coach has provided for them.

KG: What characteristics define an amazing coach?

M: I believe a coach needs to be knowledgeable, understanding, and enthusiastic.  If the team can feed off of that, then there is generally a good environment.

KG: Do you prefer to guide the players and physically show them how to play it, or do you explain and watch them learn on their own?

M: As a coach, it is essential that both are done.  They need to see something modeled for them, and then as they perform, they need feedback.

KG: To those who did not make the team, what motivational words do you have to say for them?

M: Students that don’t make the team need to know that just because they do not make the team, they are not bad players, people, etc.  They are told to work on their skills, to continue to play, etc.  It is the worst part of coaching, but what I really enjoy is when a student who does not make the team one year, comes out the next year, and makes it, and is successful because they put in the work to improve.  That is very rewarding as a coach.

KG: Do you think all of your players have potential?

M: Definitely. Any athlete that puts the work in has potential.