Antjuan L.

I have had the distinguished honor of mentoring a carefully selected cohort of young athletes, ranging in age from 10 to 12, who have achieved exceptional success by securing top placements at the prestigious 2022 and 2023 USATF National Track Championships in various events, including the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump.

Under the expert guidance of the legendary Oregon State Head Track Coach, Leon Mackenzie Sr., from Benson High School, my coaching acumen was profoundly shaped. As a 3-time USATF National Contender in the same disciplines I currently coach, the mentorship and rigorous training I received from Coach Mackenzie not only honed my athletic prowess but also facilitated my transition to competitive football, igniting a fervent passion for plyometric and speed training. This journey in football culminated in receiving a full-ride scholarship to play as a Corner Defensive Back for the University of Idaho for four years, a testament to my dedication and skill in translating track discipline to football excellence.

This rich background has equipped me with the unique ability to elevate my athletes' performance to remarkable heights, leveraging my comprehensive experience in both track and football to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes.

Under the esteemed mentorship of the legendary Oregon State Head Track Coach, Leon Mackenzie Sr., from Benson High School, my athletic prowess was significantly honed. I not only received invaluable coaching but also flourished as a 3-time USATF National Contender in the very disciplines I now coach. The guidance and profound expertise of Coach Mackenzie were instrumental in my athletic development, enabling me to achieve national recognition and excel in my sporting endeavors.

Moreover, during my tenure in high school, I attained the notable achievement of securing a starting position in the prestigious East/West All-Star Bowl game, representing the State of Oregon. My adeptness as a dual-sport athlete in both track and football opened doors to unparalleled opportunities beyond the high school arena. This dedication and dual commitment were pivotal in securing a full scholarship to the University of Idaho. There, I had the esteemed privilege of not only competing in track and field but also excelling as a football player.

This comprehensive journey has endowed me with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges encountered by student-athletes aiming for success at the collegiate and national levels. I bring this rich tapestry of experience and unwavering commitment to my coaching philosophy, ensuring that I deliver the highest level of guidance, mentorship, and knowledge necessary for young athletes to realize their utmost potential.

At the outset of our coaching journey, I initiate a structured dialogue with the athlete, guiding them through a carefully curated series of thought-provoking questions aimed at uncovering their ultimate aspirations. This initial phase is critical for them to articulate their goals clearly, a process I facilitate by providing targeted questions for them to consider and document.

Following this, I conduct an in-depth analysis of their responses, leading to a crucial moment in this introspective journey—a single, essential question: Are they truly committed to investing the necessary effort to achieve their goals? This question acts as a critical gauge of their readiness to undertake the rigorous demands of training.

Upon establishing their commitment, the focus shifts to the practical aspects of their training regimen, involving an exhaustive evaluation of five key components: Coordination, Endurance, Flexibility, Speed, and Strength. Each component is scrutinized, acknowledging its unique contribution to the athlete's overall development.

To pinpoint the primary focus area, I utilize specific drills designed to assess each component. For example, an athlete with significant strength but deficient coordination signals a clear need to prioritize coordination enhancement. It's imperative to understand that singular strengths are insufficient in isolation, given the interconnected nature of these components.

Our strategy is both multifaceted and dynamic, aiming to bolster areas that necessitate improvement while simultaneously ensuring the maintenance of existing strengths. This balanced approach promotes a comprehensive development strategy, harmonizing the enhancement of weaknesses with the reinforcement of strengths.

Ultimately, my coaching philosophy embodies a detailed and holistic methodology, dedicated to empowering athletes to achieve their fullest potential and align their ambitions with their capabilities, thus creating a perfect equilibrium between their desires and their achievements.