Sports have always played a large role in the Battlefords community, and there have been many memorable coaches who have contributed to their team’s success both in the game and in life. (submitted photos: Kat Huxley (top left); Regan Lavallee (bottom left/top right); Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff (bottom right)

By Martin Martinson

Community coaches

Provincial Coaches Week shines light on locals making a difference (Pt. 3/3)

Sep 25, 2020 | 10:00 AM

In celebration of Coaches Week in Saskatchewan, battlefordsNOW has been highlighting some of the countless community coaches, who help to make local athletics possible.

The following is part 3/3 in the spotlight series on local coaches in the Battlefords community.

It may seem odd to think now, but for North Stars’ head coach, Brayden Klimosko, coaching wasn’t always something he saw in the cards.

“I don’t think I ever expected to do this,” Klimosko said with a laugh, thinking back to his own hockey playing days. “I was pretty fortunate my dad coached me throughout my minor hockey, all the way through [junior] when he was an assistant coach there. I probably got some of that skill from him and I feel like I’ve enjoyed it ever since I started.”

Klimosko said while there are many things he enjoys about working behind the bench, there’s nothing quite like being able to see first-hand a player’s development.

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“I think the one thing that you really enjoy is being able to see someone persevere,” Klimosko said. “If someone’s struggling through a task or a skill for a long time, just to see the look on their face when they get it and finally accomplish their goal is something really special. There’s not a better feeling than seeing someone succeed in something they’ve worked really hard for.”

Regan Lavallee, who has experience coaching both girls softball and club volleyball in the community, said it is those personal growth moments that keep her coming back as well.

Lavallee said she coaches because it is a rewarding experience that goes well beyond the game’s end result on a given night, on the court or on the field.

“I think it’s so much more than just sports,” Lavallee said. “It’s more than just the development of skills; it’s the development of the relationships, it’s a sense of commitment and it’s teamwork. Just getting to see that growth in the youth, not only in their skills but also as people, is truly special.”

Lavallee added helping to give the kids an outlet to build those relationships and grow is a reward in itself. Especially since she grew up in a small town where there wasn’t always an option to do so, due largely to a small student population.

“I just love giving the kids an opportunity to play sports,” she said. “I grew up in a small town and there was only six people in my grade, so I didn’t really have the opportunity to play sports. I just like being with the kids, seeing the growth, and helping them to take that next step.”

As reiterated throughout the coaching spotlight series, it is that time and attention passed down from coach to their athletes that can directly affect the next generation.

Kat Huxley, with Battlefords United Football Club, said she still remembers the positive affect many of her own coaches had on her, when she was growing up.

She said their commitment to their players and willingness to go above and beyond is still paying dividends today, as those qualities are a key influence in why she now coaches with the local soccer program.

“Sharing that role model behaviour and sharing that inspiration with younger kids and encouraging them to become leaders and coaches in the future is huge,” Huxley said. “Often times we can’t have sport without coaches, and we need our coaches to continue to encourage kids and help them get better at things they’re passionate about and want to work at.”

It is the encouraging and positive outlook of coaches like Klimosko, Lavallee, Huxley, and many more that help to ensure the sporting community in the Battlefords will continue to thrive for years to come.

This concludes the three-part battlefordsNOW spotlight series on local coaches in the community. To read part 1, click here. For part 2, click here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1