| Nancy Hughes |
| Coaching Matters is a rhymed verse about a child who wants to learn to play baseball. Jake is insecure because of his lack of experience and skills. The rough coaching style of Coach Fred contributes to Jake's insecurities. Jake's wish is to become the coach and teach children how to improve their skills while building their confidence level. When Jake is the coach, there will not be one player who thinks "I can't". "Coaching is not just about winning. It’s about the connections that are forged between young people and caring adults. It’s about the sense of pride that takes root when a respected coach offers just the right praise at just the right time. It’s about the positive messages that are subtly conveyed, through coaches’ twinkling eyes, gentle smiles, and approving nods. It’s about coaching and, as this book so beautifully tells us, Coaching Matters." Jean Rhodes, Ph.D. Professor of psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston Author of Becoming Manny: Inside the Life of Baseball’s Most Enigmatic Slugger "Coaching Matters isn’t just about a boy trying to learn a new sport; it is also about fostering healthy self esteem, enjoying the learning process, and the importance of being valued as part of a team. We applaud Coaching Matters—because kids need great coaches and this book encourages young athletes and coaches to be caring, responsible, honest and respectful; values espoused by the YMCA." Reid S. Thebault, J.D. President & CEO YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit |
| .....When she’s not working, you’ll find Nancy Hughes teaching swimming lessons or aquatic fitness classes. Hughes believes that everyone should learn how to swim. She’s a sports advocate and she extols the virtues of a healthy lifestyle. "People who incorporate fitness into their daily lives reap so many rewards—beyond just physically—the rewards of daily exercise impact a person emotionally, personally and professionally." .....Hughes often has a child at her side and she’s caught up in the animated voice of a Disney character, reading a book or telling stories to captivate the attention of children. With three children of her own, she devotes plenty of attention to reading. She says reading is the foundation for learning. "Once children know how to read, they are free to explore and discover the world." .....She admires the work of Stephen Covey. So inspired by his work, she became a certified team trainer and led workshops on the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey’s principle-centered approach to life shifts the focus from juggling priorities to following a set of personal, fundamental principles as a recipe for personal fulfillment and professional success. .....Her professional background includes over two decades of experience in corporate training, marketing communications, consulting and teaching. Complimenting her experience, she recently earned her master’s degree in education which fueled her passion for writing children's books. .....Coaching Matters is her first published children’s book. View her website @ www.luvreading.com |
