MAKING AN IMPACT ON THE AVON COMMUNITY, ONE ATHLETE AT A TIME
to use that energy and choose to learn from it and see what you can do to handle it better or do better next time.”
Avon Youth Sports Director, Justin Thompson, is on a mission to make a difference in the Avon Community, one athlete at a time. Thompson believes we can do this by focusing on three key elements including “safety, having fun, and growth and development.” He pairs that with having a positive attitude and giving your best effort always. AYS focuses on providing safe spaces to play, utilizes background checked staff, coaches, and officials, and takes precautions, when necessary, especially when considering weather cancellations or delays. We utilize evaluations prior to the beginning of each season to ensure each team’s talent is distributed evenly and the athletes are playing in an appropriate division based on their age and skill level. Thompson has seen firsthand how remaining positive can change the course of a game. He recalls one team in particular that he coached. They were getting out-hustled, the calls weren’t going their way, and they were struggling. He encouraged them to keep their heads up, and to “stay positive even if you don’t feel like it in the moment and give your best effort. The results will take care of themselves.” The team worked their way back into the game after being down only 7 by halftime and ended up winning the game. Thompson believes that “we have an opportunity to impact our community through youth sports if we can keep the focus on the right things.” Thompson likes to end each game with a team huddle where each athlete says one word to describe the game. When he hears words such as “mad, tired, disappointed, and annoyed,” he reminds them that “it’s okay to feel that way, but it’s your decision if you want to remain feeling that way, or if you want
Since 2019, Thompson has coached 15 basketball teams through Avon Youth Sports and during that time, he has had the opportunity to coach over 100 athletes, and that’s just for the sport of basketball alone! He recalls players who have experienced challenges including personal loss, season ending injuries, learning and physical limitations, to name a few. No matter the circumstance, his messaging has remained the same. “If the athlete will remain positive no matter what they are facing, and continually choose to stay positive, they will find that they will increase their ability to enjoy what they are dedicating their time to. It’s easy to be quick to get upset or complain, but when you choose to rise above the circumstance or the moment, you will grow and get stronger.” He encourages his athletes to stay focused, and that results in a positive attitude, which helps them grow and develop as a person, not only on-the-court, but off-the- court as well.
Photo Credit: Jake Rytlewski, Nicole Green
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