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Impact Story: A Different Air Among Prior Lake Teams

by Amy Sinclair

12.08.2017

Looking back on our year, I find so much to be proud of in our PCA-Minnesota Chapter. I’d like to highlight our work with Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (P.L.A.Y.), where their Administrative Director, Randy Geister, had this to say about our partnership: 

"Teaming with the Positive Coaching Alliance and the principles behind "Better Athletes, Better People" has really given our programs an opportunity to grow and focus on the goal of developing athletes in a positive environment, while helping coaches, players and parents understand their roles and goals.

The speakers and information shared through PCA has helped to get the message across to our members in a professional manner, rather than having another parent speak on these topics.

Our High School Activities Director and their coaches have also supported this cause, giving more credence to “this is the way we do it here.”

Measuring the development of sportsmanship is difficult – but at the same sense we have spoken to people that say – there seems to be a different air among Prior Lake teams and we have received a few emails from opponents or other communities that speak of a unique situation that showed great sportsmanship – and that Prior Lake is a good group to compete against. Those are positives that aren’t always heard. So our association and community can be proud of those and work to build on them.

There has not been 100% buy-in with all coaches and parents, but the effect of a mighty few can really make a difference for those in the heart of the program and give clarity and support for discipline when needed. It is a journey, but one that seems to worth taking.

P.L.A.Y. has a formed an I.M.P.A.C.T. Committee (I Make Positive Actions Count Today) and we have a rep in each sport to help with promoting honoring the Game within each sport. We have I.M.P.A.C.T. placed on many of our youth jerseys as a way to remember and think about those principles of R.O.O.T.S and honoring the game. A coach, player or parent only has to look at the uniform to be reminded they are fortunate to be able to participate in a sport that can help teach life lessons beyond the scoreboard."

Amy joined Positive Coaching Alliance in September 2016 as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Chapter. As CED, Amy works with the Minnesota board to develop, implement and evaluate a long-term strategy for the chapter. She represents PCA in the Twin Cities community by developing relationships with business, philanthropic, academic and government leaders. In addition, Amy is responsible for raising sufficient funds annually for PCA-Minnesota to thrive.