Photo Credit:
Name: Kevin Upton ( K. Devil )
League Affiliation:Co-founder/ Coach: Greenville Derby Dames
Number of years involved in derby: 4 years
Why did you want to coach roller derby? I met a roller girl (Annathrax) who is now my wife. She played for a league that was in need of a coach when their coach decided to take a break. I stepped in and applied my sport playing experience to their training and fell in love with Roller Derby.
What was the hardest thing about coaching the team? Learning how to teach and coach so many different personalities. Gaining a new players trust. Most importantly is getting everyone to buy into the discipline and training.
What was the most fun thing about coaching the team? Watching the hard work put to test. Seeing the confidence on the face of all my skaters. Watching them execute and play the game like there is no tomorrow. Seeing the smiles from a hard fought victory is the best feeling and the most fun part of coaching.
What qualities make a skater great? Her work ethic for starters. The greatest skaters are always challenging themselves. Good attitude is very, very important. Being able to take constructive criticism is a key part to becoming a great skater.
Which skater do you most admire? I admire my wife Annathrax the most. Without her none of this would be possible. I also admire all the skaters Past, Present, and Future that have and will help the Greenville Derby Dames to continue to reach their goals and be successful.
Which coach or manager do you most admire, from any sport? I admire any coach who believes in his/her team and continues to push them to compete and win.
What are your favorite non-derby sports to play or to watch? Outside of derby im a football fanatic.
Do you have any advice for skaters just starting out? Make an effort to get to know your teammates, Do not judge yourself based on the ability of others. Your skills will come. If you need to throw up, do it. Then get back on the track and finish your laps. Talk less, skate more and Listen to your coach. He/she is coach for a reason.
Do you have any advice for those interested in coaching derby? Here are some keys I go by that have helped me along my way. Its from an article i read posted by TXRD.
League Affiliation:Co-founder/ Coach: Greenville Derby Dames
Number of years involved in derby: 4 years
Why did you want to coach roller derby? I met a roller girl (Annathrax) who is now my wife. She played for a league that was in need of a coach when their coach decided to take a break. I stepped in and applied my sport playing experience to their training and fell in love with Roller Derby.
What was the hardest thing about coaching the team? Learning how to teach and coach so many different personalities. Gaining a new players trust. Most importantly is getting everyone to buy into the discipline and training.
What was the most fun thing about coaching the team? Watching the hard work put to test. Seeing the confidence on the face of all my skaters. Watching them execute and play the game like there is no tomorrow. Seeing the smiles from a hard fought victory is the best feeling and the most fun part of coaching.
What qualities make a skater great? Her work ethic for starters. The greatest skaters are always challenging themselves. Good attitude is very, very important. Being able to take constructive criticism is a key part to becoming a great skater.
Which skater do you most admire? I admire my wife Annathrax the most. Without her none of this would be possible. I also admire all the skaters Past, Present, and Future that have and will help the Greenville Derby Dames to continue to reach their goals and be successful.
Which coach or manager do you most admire, from any sport? I admire any coach who believes in his/her team and continues to push them to compete and win.
What are your favorite non-derby sports to play or to watch? Outside of derby im a football fanatic.
Do you have any advice for skaters just starting out? Make an effort to get to know your teammates, Do not judge yourself based on the ability of others. Your skills will come. If you need to throw up, do it. Then get back on the track and finish your laps. Talk less, skate more and Listen to your coach. He/she is coach for a reason.
Do you have any advice for those interested in coaching derby? Here are some keys I go by that have helped me along my way. Its from an article i read posted by TXRD.
- We are all Unique!
- Humans are Limited Capacity Processors!
- Multitasking! Eeek!!!
- Trust, Trust, Trust!!! Respect, Respect, Respect!!!
- Your Training Program must Compliment your League
- Unified and Happy Teams Win
- Focus on what you have
- Skills and Characteristics that can be taught v. those that cannot be taught
- Have Realistic Expectations
- Being Challenged is Fun
- Winning is Uncertain, Playing Good Derby is Not
Photo Credits: Nicole "Rollerazzi" Gilstrap
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