What does a coach look for in a high school athlete?
Sports are a core aspect of the Shawnigan Lake School experience, and our coaches work to encourage students to pursue personal excellence while at the same time instilling values such as courage, integrity, loyalty, respect, honesty and commitment. While coaches are always glad to find athletes with skill and a drive to improve, they also look for character, hard work and competitiveness balanced with respect and sportsmanship. Director of Sport and longtime coach Tim Murdy elaborates on the attributes that make for an outstanding high school athlete.
At Shawnigan, our emphasis on sports extends beyond the playing fields, gym, and ice arena. Our priorities reflect our belief in the invaluable life lessons embedded in athletic pursuits. It's always valuable to revisit and rearticulate why we hold sports in such high regard.
Engaging in sports teaches enduring values that resonate far beyond the confines of the game. The commitment required for success imparts crucial lessons in hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Athletes learn courage through facing challenges head-on, overcoming setbacks, and persisting in the pursuit of excellence. Respect for oneself, teammates, opponents, and the game itself becomes ingrained, fostering character development.
Team sports uniquely instill the significance of collaboration, teaching individuals how to work harmoniously toward shared goals. Whether in victory or defeat, the journey of a sports season cultivates resilience and a sense of camaraderie.
While it is easy to recognize athletes’ accomplishments in competition, we can’t forget to recognize the profound values they carry forward that shape them into well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of life.
Coaches seek a combination of attributes in their athletes that go beyond raw talent. Character stands out as the foremost quality, with attitude playing a pivotal role. A positive attitude is considered paramount, encompassing qualities such as resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Hard work and competitiveness are highly valued, but these traits must coexist with respect and sportsmanship, not only towards teammates but also opponents and officials. The ability to balance intensity with fair play contributes to a positive team culture.
While individual skill is essential, coaches prioritize athletes with a relentless drive to improve. The willingness to push oneself and, equally importantly, to motivate and support teammates in their development is a key characteristic sought after. The best athletes are not just focused on personal success but also on fostering a collaborative and encouraging team environment.
Ultimately, coaches appreciate athletes who find joy in the process, displaying enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Athletes who genuinely enjoy the challenges, victories, and even setbacks contribute to a positive and thriving team dynamic.
Please click here for more information about Shawnigan’s athletic programs.
Tim Murdy has coached high school rugby for 34 years, including 17 years at Shawnigan. He has coached three different schools to a total of 16 provincial boys’ XV championships and six provincial boys’ sevens championships, including 12 XV titles and five sevens titles at Shawnigan. Beyond the high school level, Mr. Murdy has coached in the provincial, national, international and professional ranks. Among many other honours, he is a member of the BC Rugby Hall of Fame. In addition to rugby, Mr. Murdy has coached wrestling, ice hockey, basketball, track and field, and football.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
