Paul & Brittany
The Coaches Helping Coaches (CHC) program supports experienced coaches in recruiting and mentoring new coaches into the Ontario sport community. Paul and Brittany are a coaching pair who successfully completed the program in 2016-2017. Read on to find out more about their experience!
New Coach – Brittany Kerkhof
Assistant Coach
Hamilton Barbell
Hamilton, ON
NCCP#6111704
Where did you actively begin coaching during the program?
Hamilton Barbell
What NCCP workshop(s) did you complete?
Weightlifting Competition Introduction Workshop, Making Head Way in Sport, Make Ethical Decisions, Planning a Practice, and Nutrition
What was the most important thing that you learned as part of your NCCP Training(s)?
The most important thing that I learned was connecting with other coaches and learning from Professional Coaches. It has allowed me to be a better coach and I feel much more knowledgeable with my athletes.
What is your favourite part of coaching?
I love seeing the progress of an athlete develop over time and seeing them accomplish their goals!
What are the next steps for you in coaching?
I want to continue to learn and become the best possible coach that I can be! I want to continue to work with Paul and other coaches so I can learn different styles and techniques.
Mentor Coach – Paul Vilchez
Head Coach
Hamilton Barbell
Hamilton, ON
NCCP#5810995
Why did you decide to become a coach?
I initially took an NCCP course so I could learn how to coach myself. Afterwards, it grew to helping my friends, and soon after, anyone who needed it. It’s been very rewarding.
What is your favourite part of coaching?
Helping someone achieve something that was previously “impossible”.
How has the program benefited you as a mentor?
The process of teaching/explaining my coaching style (so that Britt could find her own) gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate it, and opportunity to improve it. I also enjoyed working with someone who felt passionately about putting athletes first and to have conversations on that level.
What type of feedback was given to your New Coach?
Britt is a joy to work with, and I heard the same from her athletes. She is knowledgeable with the sport, and uses tools such as video review to give her athletes appropriate and timely feedback. Confidence will develop with more experience and time coaching.
