by Shawn Nowlin
There is a popular saying that coaches often express that directly correlates to real life: “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
Good coaches help get immediate results. Great coaches do that while also investing in one’s long-term potential and shifting their perspectives on what’s possible. The difference between the former and the latter often boils down to intentions and consistency.
Whether it’s basketball or cheerleading, several coaches throughout the Roanoke Valley demonstrate leadership and integrity daily, both in and out of the arena of competition.
From experience, Taren McCoy can speak to the importance that a consistent coach can have on a youth’s life. McCoy, the Head William Fleming Cheerleading Coach, centers her philosophy on teamwork, health and leadership.
Under McCoy’s tutelage, with support from her assistant coaches, the Colonels have won many competitions and awards. “I may be a little biased, but I genuinely believe that I have the best coaching staff around. Through all of the blood, sweat, tears, uniform changes, fallen stunts, tumble passes and many practices, we have remained solid,” she said.
When Lindsey Shook, a Fleming graduate, tragically lost her life in 2021 to gun violence, McCoy, both publicly and privately, said at the time, “Lindsey worked at Small Steps Learning Academy for me. I can’t place in words how sad I am today and will be every day. I’ve coached a lot of girls over the years, and Lindsey was one of my favorites.”
She added, “I am the coach, but she taught me how to be confident, to love myself and to appreciate life. I know where she is and where she will remain. That brings me great peace.”
Last year, Eugene “Blu” Cook was named the District Basketball Coach of the Year after leading the Lady Patriots of Patrick Henry High to a 17-9 record. One of the greatest compliments Cook was ever given came when a rival coach told him, “Not only are your players class personified, they play very hard and are extremely tough.”
“The role of a coach has evolved over the years. When I was growing up, the coaches were on par with our parents in terms of respect. More than anything else, I want to have the same impact on my players that my coaches had on me,” Cook said.
National Coaches Day, which honors the men and women who inspire people to do their best, occurred on Oct. 6. For McCoy and Cook, as well as many other local coaches, several former players reached out to thank them for all that they’ve done.
