Like jugglers, three of South’s coaches balance multiple responsibilities throughout the school year, from coaching different teams, managing the teams’ schedules, and adapting to each sport’s demands. As they transition between seasons, they carry coaching skills and lessons from one team to the next.

Phil Ralston, an English Teacher, coaches Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Tennis, and Boys’ Tennis. When boys’ tennis begins while basketball is still underway, Ralston’s day can start with morning tennis practices and end with an evening basketball practice or game. Ralston also tries to attend basketball open gyms and weightlifting sessions when schedules allow, relying on other coaches when he can not be there, he said.

“Anyone who’s coaching in the building is likely to have it as a second full-time job,” Ralston said. “There are so many responsibilities beyond practices and games, which include communicating with athletes, parents, and the community.”

David Gallegos, Drivers Education, Physical Education (P.E), and Health Teacher, also coaches Boys’ Soccer, Boys’ Wrestling, and Girls’ Badminton. Gallegos uses preparation periods to grade and plan practices and he spends about an hour writing team newsletters, sharing highlights, and communicating the upcoming week’s schedule on Sundays. When seasons overlap, he communicates with other coaches if he needs to miss a day.

Dan Carpenter, Special Education Teacher, who coaches Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Volleyball, and Boys’ Volleyball,  manages transitions by adjusting expectations as athletes move between seasons. After ending a season with advanced skills, he returns to fundamentals with his next team. He also makes time outside coaching for family, exercise, and reading to recharge.

“When I have time outside of coaching, I make sure to do something that re-energizes me,” Carpenter said.