Coach Clifton Branch is gearing up for another exciting season with the Berkmar High School track and field team. As the head coach for both the boy's and girl's teams, he has high hopes and expectations for the upcoming season. In this exclusive interview, Coach Branch shares his thoughts on the team's top returning players, new recruits, team captains, and more.
Coach Branch is confident in his team's returning players and their abilities to lead the team to success. He emphasizes the importance of being supportive, humble, competitive, disciplined, coachable, and committed throughout the season. These qualities are what make his returning players stand out and contribute to the team's overall success.
Coach Branch has high expectations for the new players joining the team this season, both on the girls' and boys' sides. Maya Dames, A'Leeana Thomas, Sania Dumas, Elizabeth Leiva, Darion Lister, Alante Somre, Jayden Knight, and Bryan Nguyen are all expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Coach Branch notes that these players have developed leadership skills from their past experiences and will use them to uplift their teammates and push for success.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Branch looks for players who demonstrate good character, are good listeners, and consistently uplift their teammates. This year's team captains for the girls' team are Taylor Wallace, Nataly McMillan, Stephany Gomez, and Simone Cuffee-Slaughter. For the boys' team, the captains are Firass Ibrahim, Craig George, Jaylen Jackson, and Kevin Sosa.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for a successful team. Coach Branch plans on building this through team-building activities and weekly motivation quotes. He believes that a strong bond between teammates leads to a more cohesive and driven team.
Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential is a crucial aspect of coaching. Coach Branch uses team-building activities and motivational quotes to keep his players motivated. He believes in setting goals and reminding his players of the overall goal of becoming successful, and what it will take for them to get there.
Every season presents its own set of challenges, and this season is no different. Coach Branch mentions some slight injuries for the new players and the need for overall commitment from everyone as potential challenges for the team.
The team has a tough schedule this season, which Coach Branch believes will benefit them in the long run. He believes that in order to be the best, you have to compete against the best. The team will have to face some tough opponents, but they are looking forward to the challenge.
Coach Branch's coaching style is focused on educating his student-athletes to become the best version of themselves. He believes in teamwork and dthe rive to become successful. As a young team with limited experience, Coach Branch will continue to instill his coaching philosophy in his players and guide them toward success.
When it comes to the sport of track and field, mental strength is crucial. Coach Branch acknowledges its importance but also mentions that he has his own style of bringing out the best in his athletes. He believes in giving them daily feedback and helping them develop the mental capacity needed for this sport.
The team's training and conditioning program is a top priority for Coach Branch. He believes that it is 90% of the sport and is constantly looking for ways to improve and make changes. He emphasizes the importance of correct movements, including speed, power, ankle, hip, posture, and breathing techniques.
As with any team, there are strengths and weaknesses. Coach Branch's focus is on building and improving the team's strengths while addressing their weaknesses. He believes that by emphasizing the correct movements and techniques, the team can improve and reach their full potential.
Coach Branch's coaching philosophy is centered around teamwork and dthe rive to become successful. He believes in educating his student-athletes to become the best version of themselves and instilling a strong work ethic and discipline. He also emphasizes the importance of trust and commitment to the team's goals and the process of achieving them.
In conclusion, Coach Branch has high hopes for the Berkmar High School track and field team this season. With a strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and motivation, he is confident that his team will continue to improve and reach their full potential. The team's schedule may present some challenges, but Coach Branch believes that it will only make them stronger in the end. With his coaching philosophy and dedication, the Berkmar High School track and field team is sure to have a successful season.
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