Coaching Begins with the Right Example
We all remember our first coach. And as a coach, our influence often starts before the first punch is thrown. The way we welcome someone, the tone we set, and the belief we show can stay with people for decades. Our first coaches shape our experience in the sport. Whether it was a parent, a local coach, or even a school teacher, the people who first introduce us to boxing set the tone not only for how we coach—but who we become.
“They made me feel welcome, like I belonged. That made all the difference.”
Coaching Is a Lifelong Relationship
A standout theme from our contributors has been how many of them are still connected to the coaches that influenced them. These relationships don’t end when the coaching session does—they grow, evolve, and often turn into friendships that last a lifetime. Whether it’s catching up weekly, turning to them for advice, or continuing to learn from their example, these coaches have become part of their lives. That longevity says something powerful about the kind of impact great coaches make.
“He’s still my mentor to this day. I speak to him every week.”
– Nick Griffin on Brian Hinckley
Learn from Everyone, Take What Works
When people talk about the coaches that made a difference we often hear that good coaches never stop learning. Like artists, great coaches steal, taking bits and pieces from every coach they’ve met – absorbing the best ideas, trying them out, and discarding what doesn’t work for them. The sport evolves, and the best coaches are those who stay open-minded, always watching, always learning.
“Observe as many coaches as possible. Steal their good ideas. Discard the rest.”
Mentorship Isn’t Always Formal
We don’t just learn from head coaches at our clubs – we also take lessons from teachers, family members, community leaders, and even the boxers. What do we hear about the qualities that made the biggest impact? Honesty, integrity, and a genuine care for people. Often the traits that make a great coach—like patience, resilience, and compassion—are learned through life experience, not just technical instruction.
“Some of the most important lessons didn’t come from boxing—they came from people who showed me how to carry myself.”
Create That First Spark for Someone Else
Time and time again we hear from people who have stayed in the sport that they were welcomed on their very first day by someone who encouraged them, believed in them, and pushed them forward. That welcome gives boxers the confidence to keep showing up, keep learning, and eventually step into a coaching role themselves. How many boxers and coaches do we lose through bad first impressions of the sport? Every new boxer or coach stepping into the gym is looking for connection and support—and it might be your example that keeps them coming back.
Final Word: Keep Learning, Keep Giving Back
Great coaching is about more than drills and strategies. It’s about lifelong learning, real relationships, and giving back to the sport and people you love. Whether you’re new to coaching or years into your journey, the message is the same: stay curious, stay connected, and never underestimate the difference you can make.
“If you’re not learning and getting better, then why should the boxers?”
Want to hear more? Listen to the Celebrating Coaches: Part 2 and Part 3 to hear more coaches pay tribute to the legends who helped shape their journey.
Let’s keep paying it forward.