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.

Thanks, Lisa. Your contributions to the rugby program are also very much appreciated. Learn more about Coach Lisa Lake in the Up2Us press release, and read Willie Dominguez' Play It Forward entry.