Coaches have a huge influence on student-athletes, becoming mentors, confidants and role models. That's a lot of pressure! We caught up with two busy Roswell High School coaches to ask how they manage their nutrition and motivation. Happy New Year, ladies!
Emily Hoza, Head Flag Football Coach
Staying fueled up
My go-to power mid-day snack is dark chocolate-covered almonds and Clif bars are my favorite before a workout or as a game snack.
Practice makes perfect
Our practices are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday with games on Wednesdays. The girls practice for two hours during those days, with the weekend designated for resting and recovering. Games are set up as a round robin setting with three teams being present and each one playing each other.
Around town
I love From the Earth Brewery. All their food is produced locally and extremely healthy! I’ve done the juice cleanse from Clean Juice in Alpharetta. I loved the flavors and results. Pound and Ground Coffee in Alpharetta has a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Their coffee is smooth, and they always have new specialty drinks!
On working with teens
What motivates my girls is setting a goal on the first day of practice. We set a goal to win the area, then win the state. Before games, I remind the girls of our goal and it pushes them to achieve it. When the girls make a mistake, (we all make mistakes) I remind them that it’s okay and they just need to make up for it in the next play. When you’re head coach, your players look at you for guidance. If you stay positive, then the girls feed off that energy. If you let the game get the best of you, the girls positive energy will decline.
Whitney Sweet
Special Education Teacher/Literature, Cross Country and Track Coach
Staying fueled
Acai Bowls are one of my favorite treats. I typically don’t eat much before a workout or race, but if I do it is usually half of a banana or plain bagel.
Practice makes perfect
Practices are Monday-Friday after school. During the season, our weekly schedule consists of one to two workout days, along with a couple of regular runs. Strength exercises and form drills are also incorporated at the beginning or end of each practice. Since meets are on Saturdays, Fridays are typically our easy days with a pre-race talk.
On working with teens
One of the best parts of coaching is getting to build relationships with the kids that I coach. While strong performances (whether it be individual or team) are motivating, letting the girls know that I not only care about them but believe in them, plays a big role as well. Even on the tough days, the comradery amongst the team makes everything worth it. We truly have a great group of kids and it brings me great joy to be their coach.
It has been really fun not only getting to teach at the school I graduated from 10 years ago (2011), but to now coach the team I ran for. Cross Country was the best part of my high school experience, so it is really special getting to come back and be a part of that once again.