The bond between this year’s softball coaches goes beyond the field as all 3 coaches are also teachers. Social studies teachers Mr Delgado, Mr Cossey, and Physics teacher Mr. O are not only some of the best teachers at Galileo, but they all make up the softball coaching staff. .
This trio of coaches/teachers helps create a strong culture for the team. Mr. O says, “Having teachers on the staff is awesome because most of the teachers already know the team members so it’s nice when we have former students [on the team] because it’s easier to guide them and work together.”
The coaching staff came together when Mr. O, who was promoted to head coach this year after being an assistant coach last year, along with Mr. Cossey, who has been coaching softball for 7 years, asked Mr. Delgado to join the coaching staff.
Mr. Delgado explained, “When Mr. Cossey and Mr. O asked me about coaching, I had a really hard time saying ‘no’, even though originally I wasn’t planning on coaching. But I felt that it was an incredible opportunity to learn from them because I have such respect for the 2 other coaches and I have knowledge of the game. It made too much sense to say no and it has been an incredible and awesome experience so far.”
The other coaches are similarly upbeat about the coaching staff and the team. Mr. Cossey, said, Having Mr. O and Mr Delgado alongside me has been a good experience. They have a great passion, and make me want to be the best coach I can be. I coached for 5 years, took a pause and came back this year. This year has been a lot of fun so far. It’s been great seeing the girls develop throughout the season and becoming better players.”
Mr. Delgado is also excited so far about what he’s seen on the field. He said, “i’ve been coaching at Galileo since January, my favorite experience is getting to know the players it’s really exciting to see them improve dramatically over time, its similar to teaching just in regards of being a witness to peoples development, whether its veterans or new players, it’s just amazing to see the drastic improvement. It gets you thinking about what this is going to be like in May.”
Mr. O explained how his interest in coaching came from him playing softball recreationally. He said “Every Saturday I’m in a pick up softball league, & I love playing. The coach last year retired and the team needed a new coach and the team has a great staff, so it’s really fun. I enjoy it a lot.”
He continued, “Some of the most fun parts are just hanging out with the team and just doing fun activities with them. That’s one of the things I love about coaching, just team bonding, going out and getting pizzas, seeing them do their USC speak your mind challenge. We may not win every game but it’s great when the team tries their best and just to see them grow and that’s all we want as coaches just to see them get better.”
