Dear Viking Family,
My name is Carmen Pence. I am honored to say that I am the Athletic Director for Hefner Middle School. I started my career in coaching and teaching here at Hefner 7 years ago. I believe this age level is very crucial for the student athletes. They learn the basic skills needed to advance to the next level. I believe each and every student athlete has the ability to know what it takes to become a fanominal student athlete but it will take all of us; Parents/Guardians, Teachers, Principals, Coaches and AD, to get them where they need to be.
Middle School Athletics is a structured environment that will teach the athletes further knowledge of the sport; from rules, skills, appropriate behavior, and grades to an overall understanding of what a student athlete is. It is not just about winning. It is about teaching each athlete life lessons, and how things are earned, not given. This lesson helps the student athletes to work hard for what they truly want out of the sport. Middle school coaches are to prepare the athletes for higher aspirations to want to play harder and at a higher level.
Starting in 6th grade, the athletes will learn that attendance, behavior and grades play a huge part of athletics. It is not just about skill. They will be held to a higher standard than the average student. They will have to get classwork completed after practice and games. This can lead to some late nights of homework and studying.
Student athletes must understand the expectations of appropriate behavior in classrooms, hallways, practices and games. If these expectations are not met, then there are consequences. Coaches must not only teach the athletes the skills of the game, but also teach each athlete to meet the expectations.
By teaching the student athletes the basic skills of the game, along with appropriate behaviors needed to be a leader, coaches are preparing each athlete to compete at a higher level. Middle school coaching is teaching the student athletes about behavior, grades, mental toughness, and GRIT.
The winning will come if we first teach the student athlete self discipline. I look forward to helping your daughter/son in becoming a proud Viking Student Athlete.
Sincerely,
Carmen Pence
Athletic Director
