Ruth Hanthorn

Community: 
Fort McPherson
Sport: 
Snowshoeing
Years Coaching: 
11
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST COACHING POSITION:

This year at the AWGs will be my first time coaching! I have a little bit of experience helping my younger siblings though.

WHY DO YOU COACH:

Because I love sports! I competed as an athlete for 8 years and coaching is a way to still be involved and help others experience what I did.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY:

Work hard, have a good attitude, encourage others around you, learn from others around you, be mentally strong, and have fun being active.

WHO INSPIRES YOU:

My mom. She was an athlete herself then coached my siblings and I for many years. She also ran a Cross Country Ski Club for our community as a way to encourage
kids and adults to be active. My mom pushed me to train when I didn't want always to, and I thanked her at the end of every competition because of it.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ANY COACHING BARRIERS:

One obstacle has been motivating athletes to show up for practices and struggling to get kids to sign up for sports. I especially encourage girls because there are so few that are involved in sports. Other than that, I haven’t faced too many obstacles besides being young and inexperienced! The only thing that has forced me to do is ask for help from more experienced coaches and learn how to be better.