For this Spotlight Interview, we asked Coach Kyle T. some questions. Coach Kyle coaches basketball with CoachUp and focuses on the fundamentals of the game. He has both high school and college basketball experience and has sound basketball knowledge and skills he can impart upon his athletes.
Tell us about yourself.
I did not start playing organized basketball until my freshman year of high school. I think it took not making my 8th grade team to get my competitive juices really flowing. A lot of hard work and determination then propelled me to excel in the sport. I received scholarships and was granted the opportunity to continue my education and play the sport I love.
Why did you decide to become a private coach?
I received an email from CoachUp and looked into it. With my background and team sport coaching I had already done, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get more involved in something I already loved to do. It also would be a great way to pass my basketball knowledge on to someone that could really benefit from it.
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
What I enjoy most about coaching is that it’s very satisfying to know that you have the opportunity to impact an individual or team in a positive way.
What can a client expect from private lessons with you?
The client can expect a lesson plan that revolves around that individual’s needs based on the feedback he or she has given me.
What is your coaching style or philosophy?
I think my coaching style or philosophy could be summed up by saying fundamentally focused and balanced.
Who is your favorite coach and why?
My favorite coach would have to be John Wooden. I think if you were to look in the dictionary under “coach”, his name and picture would be there. To me he exemplifies what it means to be a great coach.
What is your favorite moment in your athletic career?
My greatest moments in my athletic career would have to be the people, places, and friends I’ve seen and made along the way.
Do you have any success stories from coaching an athlete?
I consider the success stories to be everytime I hear a parent or athlete tell me how thankful they are and what a great time they had.
Did you participate in your sport in high school and college (if so, where)?
In high school I was my team’s MVP and also All-City and All-State All Star. At the Jr. College level, playing for Mesa Community College, we took 3rd playing at the national tournament in Hutchinson Kansas. I then received a scholarship to Point Loma University.
What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing?
I enjoy playing golf. A bad day at golf always beats a day at work. I try to play as often as possible, which isn’t very often.
What is your favorite sports related movie?
Hoosiers. It’s based on a true story with good fundamental basketball. Look what they achieved. It’s a great movie.
What’s your mantra or favorite saying (in the context of sport and/ or life)?
Life is too short. From Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living or get busy dying.” For me this means start making a difference. I know through my coaching, I’m doing just that.
What team do you root for most enthusiastically?
When I do watch sports, I tend to root for the guy that’s going for the record books. For some reason to me that’s where the excitement is. Like Tiger Woods, LeBron James or Jerry Rice. I’m from Wisconsin so I also root for the Green Bay Packers.
Do you have any special talents or a surprising thing someone might not know about you?
A special talent? I can juggle pretty well. For those of you wanting to improve your hand eye coordination, pick up juggling.
Coach Kyle books private basketball coaching sessions on CoachUp, and his profile can be viewed here.
