Inspirational Coach Patti Gerckens - You Don't Have to Lose a Grand Final to Win One!

Interview by Liz Hanson, Client Director – Athlete Assessments

The UC San Diego Tritons Team have enjoyed an incredible 2011 Season, not only winning the NCAA National Championship for their division, they did it breaking numerous college and divisional records along the way. Some people say you have to lose a Grand Final before you can win one - Tell that to our Inspirational Coach, Patti Gercken who led her team all the way in their first year in the finals. Her coaching staff were also recently announced as the NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year.

Coach Gerckens has been generous with her busy schedule to share with us, some of her most valuable experiences, advice and lessons from her coaching career so far... Here are her candid answers from our interview:

1. Congratulations again on this incredible achievement.  What has been the most satisfying and rewarding part of this year?

Patti Gerckens:  Knowing that all the time, effort and sacrifice put in by the entire team paid off in the end. Seeing the excitement of the athletes was worth every minute. The dog pile was incredible.

2. Why do you think people say you have to lose a Grand Final before you win one and how did you overcome that ‘myth’?

Patti Gerckens: To be honest I have never heard that statement before. I feel the climb can be long and gruelling but once you are close it just comes down to heart, mental focus and staying relaxed. Not to mention some luck.

3. What was your most valuable lesson you learnt this year?

Patti Gerckens: I learned that being relaxed as the coach plays such a big part in the demeanour of the team. They can sense everything a coach is feeling whether it be fear, apprehension, anger or frustration. I learned that practices are for teaching and game time should be play time. Let the athletes just play. Failure will occur but that will allow for improvement.

4. What made this year different to previous years?  What were the critical areas that helped make this year what it was?

Patti Gerckens: I believe that our assistant coaches played a big part in the success of the program. I gave them a lot of responsibility and they gave great input to me in return.  In addition, they spent extra time with the athletes on the field. Also, I know that the team had a burning desire to succeed because we didn't get into the post season last year and they were picked to finish fifth in our conference. Finally, we had ten freshman on the team who really contributed to the program.

5. Do you feel different as a coach having now won the Championship?  If so, how so?

Patti Gerckens: I feel an immense sense of pride for the program, my alumni and the university as a whole.

6. What is your coaching philosophy?  How has it changed since you first started coaching and how have you developed it over time?

Patti Gerckens:  This is something that I could talk about for a long time but will just share a few key points. I believe that you need to create a family atmosphere where there is trust and respect for each other as well as the game. School is priority number one but a close second is the sport you play. We talk a lot about succeeding in the classroom. Finally it's all about building relationships that go beyond the field. My alumni mean the world to me.

7. Is women’s sport different?  What is unique about coaching sports women compared to men?

Patti Gerckens: I have never coached men so it's hard to compare. I do know that women are much more emotional and tend to take things personally. However, I believe that women will play for each other more than just focusing on themselves.

8. What are your goals for the future?

Patti Gerckens: Win another championship.

9. When you have retired from coaching, how do you want to be remembered?

Patti Gerckens: I want my players to say I cared about them first and then softball second. That I made them feel important, taught them about life skills and was a good role model.

Congratulations to the UC San Diego Softball Team for their incredible year.   And an enormous THANK YOU to Head Coach Patti Gerckens for providing her invaluable insight in being a Championship Winning Coach.  It has been our absolute pleasure to work with you this year and inspiring to see you enjoy such as success.  You are a true inspiration and officially our Inspirational Coach!

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