Coaching Matters

Coaching Matters is a children's picture book written in rhymed verse with an important message to athletes big and small--and the coaches of them all--about the importance of positive coaching strategies.


"You get the best effort from others
not by lighting a fire beneath them,
but by building a fire within."
Bob Nelson


Nancy Hughes
Author, Coaching Matters
About the Author:

 

Hughes often has a child at her side and she's caught up in the animated voice of a Disney character, reading a book or telling stories to captivate the attention of children.  With three children of her own, she devotes plenty of attention to reading.  She says reading is the foundation for learning.  "Once children know how to read, they are free to explore and discover the world."   


Her professional background includes over two decades of experience in Corporate Training, Marketing Communications, and Education. 

Currently, Nancy works as a freelance writer/project manager as well as an academic evaluator. She's a fitness enthusiast and exercise instructor with twenty years of experience. She enjoys the benefits of teaching fitness classes. And she's working on her next children's book.




Endorsements:

According to Jean Rhodes, Ph.D. Professor of psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, author of Becoming Manny: Inside the Life of Baseball's Most Enigmatic Slugger  and considered the nation's leading expert on youth mentoring:


     "Coaching is not just about winning.  It's about the connections that are forged between young people and caring adults. It's about the sense of pride that takes root when a respected coach offers just the right praise at just the right time. It's about the positive messages that are subtly conveyed, through coaches' twinkling eyes, gentle smiles, and approving nods. It's about coaching and, as this book so beautifully tells us, Coaching Matters."

Inspired by her own experiences teaching, leading youth activities, and volunteer coaching-- Hughes hopes the book will empower young athletes with strategies to promote positive team experiences. Included at the end of the book are supplemental activities intended to encourage team building and personal growth; as well as several mini-lessons in literacy.

The book also received accolades from the leading organization in youth development. According to Reid S. Thebault, President and CEO of the Detroit Metropolitan YMCA:

     "Coaching Matters isn't just about a boy trying to learn a new sport; it is also about fostering healthy self esteem, enjoying the learning process, and the importance of being valued as part of a team. We applaud Coaching Matters--because kids need great coaches and this book encourages young athletes and coaches to be caring, responsible, honest and respectful; values espoused by the YMCA."