ISTA member celebrated for coaching excellence
11/29/2016
For Frontier Jr./Sr. High School softball coach and ISTA member Sharon Wright, this year has been one of achievement. Wright’s Frontier softball team was the first team, in the history of the school, to make it to a state championship game. And recently, the University of Indianapolis honored Wright as the 2016 Softball Coach of the Year.
Wright was recognized for 10 years of coaching at Frontier, where her teams have won seven conference championships, six sectional titles, three regional titles, three final four appearances and one semi-state championship. Although her 2016 softball team didn’t clinch the state championship, it’s Wright’s dedication to coaching and teaching that is the real win
“There are so many valuable lessons and characteristics that can be taught on the athletic field such as dedication, commitment, time-management, teamwork and work ethic,” said Wright. “All of these skills are important in the classroom as well as in the work force. Athletics serve to develop the whole student.”
The lessons of athletics and extracurriculars can be valuable to educators as well as students. Wright acknowledges that coaching or sponsoring a club can create connections outside of the classroom that support the work done in the classroom.
In fact, Wright notes the impact her high school softball coach had on her and works to emulate that example.
“The connections that I make with my players on the softball field are special,” said Wright. “The bond that forms last more than just the season. One of the best days as a teacher is when a student (or player) returns to the classroom to say hello and let you know that they are successful.”
There are significant rewards to coaching, but Wright admits coaching, teaching and raising a family is challenging. She also serves as a Frontier Classroom Teachers Association representative and on her local association bargaining committee. Wright credits her family and fellow teachers for their support during the softball season.
Much like her softball team, she said, “we help each other out and celebrate each other’s successes.”