Working alongside youth and students is a calling, and local coaches, athletic directors, and extracurricular clubs in our community play a critical role in encouraging the students and keeping them connected. Providing guidance, support, and advice positively impacts a student's academic and personal development. The concept of mentoring has a long history dating back to the Ancient Greek poem in Homer's Odyssey. Today, this same model exists in a supportive role where coaches can share their knowledge while giving back through serving in a mentor-like role.
Outside of their regular teaching duties, our coaches are clocking longer hours than most between early morning practices, after school practices, parent meetings, sending out team updates, and driving buses. Not to mention the games, matches, and meets after a full school day, or even on the weekend. We are highlighting some dedicated professionals in our community who embody the character of a great mentor.
Chris Feris, Director of Athletics for CISD, spent his life in a family of athletes and played multiple sports. "From an early age, I've had a lot of excellent coaches who've meant a lot in my life and did many great things to help me," he said. "I wouldn't be where I am without them."
As the Athletic Director, Chris enjoys having the opportunity to help other coaches and students get the resources they need to be successful. "I'm their biggest fan and enjoy the behind-the-scenes work so they can be at practice and perform as well as they can on game night," he says.
Students are busier and stressed more than ever. "Time management is one thing I can stress; they need to figure out how to plan and make sure they are getting to everything - not just practice and academics, but time for themselves to enjoy being a teenager." Chris says. "While athletics is a big part of that, it helps many students enjoy a different aspect of school and a goal to make good grades."
Coaching since he was born, Juris Green shares that he grew up with a coach as a father, legendary Dan Green, so he tagged along with him everywhere. Juris coaches track and cross country at The Woodlands High School, with quite a few state championships under his belt.
"The sports I coach are just the activities we do around the motivation and mentoring. I could really be doing just about any other sport, and as long as I bring my passion and vision with me- I feel like I'd be successful," says Juris. "The job is meaningful in having this front row seat in watching children grow into young men and women with a direction they want to go in life."
Young Life, another local organization plays a critical role in many students' lives since its inception in 1989 in the Woodlands. Paige Shaver, Area Director, has been serving since 2016 and is responsible for building friendships with teenagers at Woodlands High School and leading a team of volunteers. Their goal is to mentor the students, make them feel seen and heard, and ultimately share the hope of Jesus, while making them feel welcome.
"High school years can be tough," says Paige. "You are trying to find affirmation and hope, and now, with technology, suicide, and all the heavy things kids are up against, this job is relational above all else." She expressed that with the rigors and pressures facing students, Young Life aims to show them acceptance for who they are, with no expectations or strings attached. One can expect to experience face-to-face, authentic friendships through Young Life.
The South Montgomery County Chapter of Young Life hosts weekly meetings on Monday nights 'Club' at Interfaith. It's a high-energy outreach event, which Paige aptly describes as controlled chaos and a neutral place for anyone to show up as they are. The students play games, sing popular radio songs, and taper down the energy near the end when a leader gives a short faith-based lesson on relatable topics. A small group Bible study meets on Thursday nights broken out at various Young Life leaders' homes where students can go deeper in a smaller setting to sow into their faith.
Mentors are often first to notice the early warning indicators and stressors that students face managing their school-life, home-life, or even sports-life balance. Thank you is not a big enough sentiment for those serving in these roles and selflessly giving of their time away from their own families.
"Time management is one thing I can stress - not just practice and academics, but time for themselves to enjoy being a teenager." Chris says.