Originally posted on warriorathletics.com
The absence of students on campus for the fall semester of 2020 has prompted coaches and staff at Stanislaus State to think outside the box.
In order to conduct virtual instruction and continue to support Stan State student-athletes, Director of Athletics Terry Donovan introduced a program called the Warrior Athletics Growth Series (W.A.G.S.).
"Without competition and in-person interactions, we need to continue the development of our student-athletes and coaches," said Donovan, who is in his third year as the department's director.
W.A.G.S. is designed to be facilitated, researched, organized and directed by the coaches and the athletic-training staff. While the administrative staff members are not in the groups, they will serve as resources and provide aid as needed.
Since early August, Warrior Athletics coaches and staff have been engaging in Zoom meetings and discussions to develop deliverable results on various topics. The goal is to present these best practices, guides, tips and ideas to help each other become better instructors and mentors to help student-athletes succeed.
"In my 20 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, I have learned that an Athletics coach is the initial point of contact for all university related inquiries from student-athletes," stated Donovan. "Coaches are so much more to our student-athletes than the person calling plays. Our faculty are mentors, academic advisors, counselors, community university ambassadors, and stewards of life-long learning."
Each W.A.G.S. team is led by a coach or trainer. Teams were selected during the department's annual retreat on Aug. 7. Teams will research the specific topic, provide a syllabus, lead the discussion/presentation, and provide a deliverable product to be distributed to the community.
The group topics, with team leaders, are as follows:
• Community Relations (Morgan Cathey, men's soccer head coach) — ideas for virtual community service and fundraising. How do we continue to engage with the surrounding community and support the mission of the University without sporting events?
• Academics (Megan Powell, women's volleyball assistant coach) — best practices for teams successful in academics. How do we support our academic faculty and maintain high academic standards in a virtual environment? What leads to a high-achieving student-athlete?
• Lifeskills (Shannon Mauldin, women's basketball assistant coach) — How can we provide a transformational experience for our student-athletes to they can be prepared for life's challenges? How can we support learning, understanding, and change in a complex social environment? What resources are available and what can we provide to help our students succeed in life?
• Professional Development (Troy Johnson, track & field head coach) — Tips and ideas on how coaches can develop skills to grow and better serve the students.
• Health & Wellness (Elizabeth Melo, assistant athletic trainer) — Guidelines and resources to assist in self-care, mental health, and adaptation to a virtual environment.
Each group will execute three to four topics and present virtually to other coaches, staff and student-athletes beginning in September through the end of the semester.
"A coach is a teacher, first and foremost. Teaching has been made drastically more difficult due to the pandemic but our commitment to the success of student-athletes has never wavered. Our Warrior faculty continue to pivot and respond. We forge ahead clearing our own path towards success," said Donovan.
For more information on the Warrior Athletics Growth Series, and the upcoming presentations, visit
WarriorAthletics.com/WAGS