Lisa Gaumer's entry for YouthNoise Play City's Play it Forward Contest was a very quick to the point summary of why Sue Butz-Stavin should be Coach of the Year. In Lisa's case, the nomination was definitely for more than coach of the year, it would be for Coach of Generations:
Lisa, Coach, and Sammi (Lisa's daugther)
Generations of women have been playing field hockey under coach Butz-Stavin over at Emmaus High School in Emmaus, PA. "I played basketball and softball in Jr. High and Coach asked me to try out for field hockey after noticing how athletic I was.", says Lisa. Lisa played field hockey for Coach Butz-Stavin from 1979-1983, a time when equipment was scarce and notoriety of the game wasn't at its highest. 1982 Team Photo
Now Sue Butz-Stavin has already compiled an epic record of 700-72-34 winning over 69 championships in over 34 seasons of coaching. If you read Lisa's entry on Coach Butz-Stavin, you'll see the hundreds of comments on the entry confirming why she was rightfully nominated to win our contest. "Playing field hockey was the best experience of my life", explains Lisa, "Coach was more than just an x's and o's coach, she taught us how to play the game correctly, that practice and routine and discipline were to become an integral part of our lives and not just on the field but in academics as well. She went out of her way to bring out the best in all of us. I have to say that I've taken a lot of what I've learned and applied that knowledge to the way I live now."
Lisa(light-colored jersey) playing in 1982
Sammi(in white) in 2009
Lisa and her business partner just recently opened Sticks and Flicks Specialty Store, a store that specializes in field hockey and lacrosse equipment as well as athletic apparel and team wear. "We used to have to drive hours to go to a store that sold field hockey equipment, opening up this store saves us a lot of time and provides access for anyone who wants to start training in field hockey." says Lisa.
Mothers and daughters who played and currently play for Coach Butz-Stavin.
Coach Butz-Stavin's influence doesn't end there, Lisa's daughter Sammi Wootsick, as well as two other former player's daughters currently play on the Emmaus field hockey team. "I put a stick in Sammi's hand when she was just two years old." exclaimed Lisa. Two generations playing under the same coach, thats staying power. "Ex-players always come back to help out and to show support. We're a big family and all of us have been affected heavily Coach and her mentoring, even our daughters are getting that experience too.", beams Lisa.
Coach's 700 Win Collage
Sue Butz-Stavin started a youth program that teaches 2nd-6th graders field hockey fundamentals and helps them develop their skills. The kids are taught by the Emmaus players and it helps keep the talent fresh as well as providing positive role models for young girls. "Its a really great program because the girls on the team have an opportunity to be a coach and mentor for younger girls and also help them learn a sport that they're passionate about.", says Lisa. Some may think that the accolades and prestige are what made Coach Butz-Stavin Coach of the Year, but its apparent from people like Lisa Gaumer that it is way beyond field hockey.
"She brings out the passion in all of us to succeed, she keeps her students disciplined, makes sure they're doing well academically, constantly checks in with teachers, is totally dedicated to what she does, and every girl thats ever played for her including myself remain loyal to her and want do well for her."
If that doesn't warrant Coach of the Year, I don't know what does...
1982 League Champions(Lisa wearing the ballcap)
2009 LVC League Champs
Be sure to check out Lisa's store if you're ever in Pennsylvania:
Sticks N' Flicks Specialty Sports, LLC. 109 East Main Street Macungie, PA 18062
...congratulations!
Thank you for your entry and sharing your experience with Play City.
New York City dance coach Nekia Thomas-Wise was recently nominated by Fully Focused dancer, Tianna Brown for the 2009 Play It Forward contest. I had the opportunity to chat with coach Wise.
Here's what she had to say about being nominated, about being a coach and mentor in New York City, and some of her most memorable experiences, including the reality that comes along with coaching girls who confront issues like teen pregnancy and drugs.
I was really surprised to find out that Tianna nominated me! I don't really look at what I do with the girls as anything "worth" awarding. In fact, annually, I give the girls an awards ceremony during their recital where I praise their "good" work and reward it. It felt really awesome to have that sort of role reversal. You and your team, Brooklyn's Fully Focused recently won the grand prize for the 2009 Nike/YouthNoise Step It Up competition over the summer. How was that experience for you and your dancers?
The Step it up Competition was an amazing experience! Fully Focused has been in many competitions -and quite successful! Step It Up however was the first competition that they've ever won that required them to take so much responsibility outside of dance. I put lots of responsibility on the girls in terms of attendance, punctuality, and performing. The Step It Up competition gave my girls purpose in being performers and change agents simultaneously. It was a learning experience for them to be challenged to take their skill and use it to be even more productive in society!
[Fully Focused PSA for 2009 Step It Up competition]
How long have you been coaching dance?
I've been coaching dance for 10 years and through generations of girls coming and going, Tianna Brown has been under my wing the entire ten!
How did you get involved with coaching? Were you or are you a dancer as well?
I used to take modern dance classes at Brooklyn Academy of Music since age 7 or 8. I started dancing at neighborhood block parties in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn when I was about 13 and a non-profit talent show network, AllStars when I was 15. Then, by age 20, I started to teach girls from the neighborhood dances for the block parties.
One day as fall was approaching, I was coming home from college and I ran into one of the girls that had been in the block party dance (one of Tianna's old friends) and she said to me "Nikki, now that the block party is over, we don't have anything to do." That totally resonated with me in a huge way because it was true. After the rehearsals and the block party, they always sat in this area we called "THE SQUARE" in the middle of the project complex and just played spades, ate Chinese food, smoked cigarettes or weed, etc. I was going to and from City College and my part-time tutoring job. Some days when I left they were there and hours later they were there when I returned. So, I knew about the AllStars and prepared them for competition that winter. From there, I committed myself to working with these girls all year round to give them something productive to do, Hip Hop Dance. What better way to reach them? What are some of your most memorable experiences as a coach? What are some of your most memorable performances with dancers?
Step It Up will forever be a memorable performance! Attending the Up2Us conference and meeting people that were so passionate about coaching and young people was an inspiring experience. It made me feel like I'm on a mission with intelligent, powerful people!
What are the most difficult challenges you've confronted as a dance coach?
Difficulties being the coach of an all girl group have been the challenges of being more influential over these girls than their boyfriends! Within the past year, I have lost 2 Fully Focused Dancers to teenage pregnancy. Both 19 years old, one just had twins. It's also hard to keep the other girls on a straight and narrow path and encourage them not to follow their fellow dancers who have made poor decisions.
What are some of the most rewarding experiences you've experienced as a coach?
Most rewarding are outcomes of the girls I've worked with through the years. I've worked hard to take dance and teach real life responsibility. I always tell them that Fully Focused has a cool fun component and the business component as well. So, I have a girl from East New York who was in some gang when I got her, SFD (I don't know what the acronym stands for). She is a freshman in Howard this year and just asked me for a letter of recommendation last night for her business club. Also, Tianna. You guys already know her success story!
What are some of your favorite songs to perform to?
Favorite songs to perform to are almost all by Jay Z! However, Fully Focused tries thinks outside of the box in terms of mixing Broadway musicals with Hip Hop, etc.
[Jay-Z f/ Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind"]
What do you think are some of the most important lessons a player or student can learn from her coach?
Students can learn a lot from coaches! They have the opportunity to see a bit of the future, even if it seems impossible. I want my dancers to take advantage of having me in their lives to some extent. I want them to use me for insight to structure, and planning life long things. I hope I serve as a model and help them achieve their future goals. I come from where they come from. When it's all said and done, I'm one of them! What are some of the most important lessons a coach can learn from her players or students?
Coaches learn teachable moments from students; for life and for the sport. How long do you intend on coaching dance?
I plan on coach forever! I aspire to open up a studio in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn and service so many more young girls. I'll have dance camp in the summer, classes throughout the year, and Hip Hop aerobics with moms. Then I plan on conducting workshops for moms too! Tara, I have such a plan. And, I'm training the current FF dancers to be the teachers at the studio to help them earn money!
Congrats Nekia, keep inspiring and continue to do great work in your community! Shout out to Tianna and the entire Fully Focused dance team.
New York City youth rugby coach Lisa Lake was recently nominated as Coach of the Year by Play It Forward essay writer Willie Dominguez. In an Up2Us press release, Lake noted that “Coaches have a tremendous opportunity to not only help young people improve their game, but to help instill values – strength, commitment, perseverance – that are important in life as well.”
[Left: Play It Forward winner Willie Dominguez and NYC Rugby Coach Lisa Lake]
Here's what Lisa Lake has to say about her experience coaching youth rugby:
What's your background in coaching rugby? I started playing when I was 33, and I was on the National Team. Then I began coaching with the Under 19 Rugby Program in 2006 through the New York Rugby Club. A lot of the kids in the program are from my high school, but we train kids from all over the city. Before we started the program, we didn't have a gym or any equipment. Most of the kids didn't have access to sports programs. I got tired of hearing the kids complain about not being able to play sports, so I started holding some rugby practices on the median strip on the highway. We have grown a lot since then. Now we have about 40 boys and 20 girls in the program. The majority of our kids are from public schools, and we have a lot of kids from the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan.
What's the most difficult part of coaching? It's like a second full-time job. I often put in as many hours coaching as I do teaching. I'm the coach for the boys team, and I have to make sure that the uniforms are washed, that the kids know where they're going, and that we have access to practice space. I'm also busy pushing these kids to go to colllege, and helping with college essays and homework. Playing rugby, coaching, and working all at the same time can be rough.
What's the most rewarding part? Every kid who has graduated from our program has also graduated from high school, and about 85 percent are going to college. Most of our program graduates are still playing rugby. It's really good to see our kids getting into college and continuing to play.
Did you have a coach who made an impact on your life? My high school basketball coach, Coach Brown, was a great guy. He was also my advisor and made sure that I stayed on track and gave my best, all of the time. He had a big influence on how I coach today.
I understand that you just went to Washington D.C. for the National Up2Us conference. What was that like? It was so cool! The Up2Us folks ran great workshops and presented awards. We had the chance to hear about different people who are involved in really interesting programs. Every person there had the same thing in common: we all really want to create a supportive community for kids, to mentor them and help them along the way. It was pretty amazing.
My award was presented by Lillian Greene-Chamberlain, the first U.S. national champion in the 800m track and field event, and Nathaniel Mills, a 3-time Olympic speed skater who teaches inner city kids to skate in Washington, D.C.
I was so humbled by my nomination. To read everything that my players have written about me was an amazing experience. You don't often get to see the impact that you've had on all of your players, and I'm very thankful for it.
Anything else we should know? We wouldn't be able to run the program without the support of our entire rugby club. Some people give time, some give money, some donate jerseys or shorts. I'm very appreciative that we have so much support for our program.
Also, if there are any kids out there who want to play rugby, we're always looking for players.
We heard from Alex Davis on nominating his soccer coach for the Play It Forward Coach of the Year contest, and read his 3rd place winning entry here. Now we get a chance to here from Coach Madison himself, the man behind the entry!
Name: Mark Madison Years as a coach: Current School, 8 Favorite sport: Soccer Hometown: Paducah, KY Alma mater: Murray State University Fave sports moment from your life: Playing in the Final Four in the Kentucky High School State Soccer Tourney (1993) Who were your role models growing up? Mark Spivey – High School Soccer Coach Stan Lafferty – Then my girlfriend’s father. Now my father in law until his passing in August of this year. The greatest man I have ever known. These men made me who I am today. Without question, I owe them more than I could ever repay.
Were you surprised that Alex nominated you? Very surprised. Not something I would ever have thought I deserved or earned.
He titled it: The man, the myth, the legend. Is it hard to live up to that?
Hahahaha. I think it’s a bit of an overstatement. We have worked to set high expectations in this program. I suppose I have to remember that it works both ways.
Two years after coming to coach at Heath High School, you took the team to the State Championships. How did you do that?
Well, our third year we were into the State Tourney. We made it as far as the final eight that year. Of course, you have to remember that Kentucky Soccer is not classed in Soccer. So regardless of size you have to play through all the teams in Kentucky. Our average enrollment at Heath is 650. The average team we play against is closer to 1000. The tournament in this state is huge. So making that the third year was a great accomplishment.
The truth is that Heath always had the talent, they just needed a few of the missing parts. It took about two years to get the kids to believe in my system of play and philosophy. Once that was accomplished, the program flourished. It was a matter of players adapting to a completely different methodology and focus. We became a team, not just 11 players on the pitch. Once the boys were together on and off the field, the rest fell into place. They had to become family, similar to brothers. And this made the difference.
Alex talks about how you get the team to solve their own internal problems. What does that mean? How do you encourage them to do that? Just like a family, the team will always have internal conflict. They will argue, they will disagree. And this has to be addressed up front, as a team. If two of my players have a problem, it involves the whole team. Often I will have both players together and I will mediate between the two. And at times, a solution doesn’t occur immediately. And I believe this reflects real life. They learn very quickly that for the betterment of the team they have to set their disagreements aside. And more times than not, this brings about resolution gradually. I don’t expect my players to hug and make up immediately, but I do expect them to respect the team as a whole and work together to succeed. This cannot be accomplished with internal conflict.
What was the journey like for the kids that went from your program to play college soccer? The adjustment can sometimes be eye-opening. Most of the players have never experienced the demands of a college level program. In high school, soccer is played for the school, for pride, among other things. In college, the game becomes somewhat of a career, especially for those athletes on scholarship. The hours are longer, the pressure is greater, and the expectations rise. It typically takes the athlete a few weeks to adjust, but once they settle in to the new routine they typically flourish.
What's one of the biggest challenges facing coaches today? Bureaucratic nonsense. I believe that covers the majority of problems.
What's the best thing about your job? As a coach who teaches in my high school, I get to interact with my players on a daily basis. I cannot stress the importance and difference this makes. Any advice to young soccer players? Or to new soccer coaches? Young players have to start differently than I did. The philosophy of development and progression has to change in America. Players need to develop gradually and with those of the same skill level. Not by age. If you can play with the bigger kids, then move on. There is no reason to stay stagnate if you have bypassed those that are your own age.
For the younger kids, don’t just go to a field and shoot at a goal. That really doesn’t help anything. Scoring makes up very little of the game of soccer. It’s more about the skill of the player. The ability to control the ball, see passing options, develop the play. It doesn’t take a soccer God to place a ball inside of a soccer net. But it takes a solid player to develop the opportunity for others or themselves to score.
To new coaches, take your time. Programs and players will not develop overnight. Find a good coach and model what works for them. Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong or something doesn’t work. Your players will respect you more if you can admit your own mistakes.
It's 8am on Saturday. You are: A) in your jammies eating cereal watching cartoons. B) on the field, kickin a soccer ball. Sun's up, your up. C) reviewing tapes of famous soccer games. --> D) sleeping! C'mon, it’s Saturday!
(If it’s during the off season. During season I’m probably at a match or tourney.)
Bobby Knight of John Wooden? Bobby Knight, one of my all time favorites
Coffee or tea?
Neither, Diet Coke
Defense or offense?
Offense
Disco or country? I hate both
Crabapples or sourgrass? Crabapples
Carpe diem or look before you leap? Carpe Diem
Thanks Coach Madison! Congratulations on your 3rd place win and have fun in D.C.!
"On the field Coach lake never let me give up on myself. She pushed me beyond my limits. She brought out my full potential and made me the player I am today." —Willie Dominguez, Play It Forward Winning Essay
Last month, YouthNoise Play City partnered with Up2Us to offer Play It Forward — a writing contest to recognize and nominate outstanding coaches. New York City rugby player Willie Dominguez nominated his high school rugby coach, teacher, and mentor, Lisa Lake. Here's what Willie has to say:
Tell us a little bit about what it was like to start playing rugby.
Learning to play rugby was kind of hard, but it wasn't hard to get in to. Coach Lake was my history teacher and she was persistent that I play rugby, so I finally gave it a try. The team was friendly and welcoming; I felt like I had a new family. I was surprised how close rugby can make teammates. I noticed that while playing rugby I stopped hanging out with the bad crowd and hung out with my new brothers and sisters I made on the rugby team which really changed my life.
[Left: Willie Dominguez and Coach Lisa Lake]
What was one great moment you had with Coach Lake?
One memorable moment I can remember with Coach Lake was the day I found out I was graduating. I messed up in some classes during high school so I had to make up all of the credits my senior year. For a couple of weeks Coach Lake had me coming to school early and leaving late making sure I did all the independent studies I owed to make sure I graduated high school. It was the dead line day of the missing work I owed and I gave my last project to Coach Lake to get graded. As I sat in her room waiting nervously she came in to the room with a straight face and cracked a smile and told me I was graduating.
You mentioned in your essay that you plan to go to college. Do you know what you want to study?
I just graduated high school in June, but I am taking a semester off. I want to become a math teacher and help change kids' lives, and at the same time make them smarter. I want to become a math teacher because I love math and I love helping people. I also want to do what Coach Lake did and coach a rugby team. I want to help show students that you can't go through life just playing sports—that education is very important too.
Are you going to keep playing rugby after high school?
I do plan on playing rugby after high school. I also play for the New York Rugby Club Men's Program, and I train with them so when I go to college I am ready to play on the next level. I also see myself coaching. I want to bring the joy of rugby to kids who have no other sports to play or who want to be challenged more mentally then physically.
Do you have any advice for other young people who want to get into team sports?
I do have advice for young people trying to play sports. PLAY RUGBY!! It's one of the fastest growing sports in America, and almost every college has a rugby team. Rugby is also going to be in the 2016 Olympics. Rugby is a game where no one can be the star player; all 15 players on the pitch have to work together in order to win. Playing rugby will also help you make friends with people you wouldn't have ever talked to. Rugby is more like a way of life rather than a sport.
Thank you, Willie! We here at Play City wish you the best of luck in your rugby, coaching, and academic future. Also, take a look at Willie's original essay for Play It Forward.
New York City youth rugby coach Lisa Lake was 
You mentioned in your essay that you plan to go to college. Do you know what you want to study? 
