NFL commissioner Roger Goodell waited for a problem with his players to occur before acting, yet Biola coaches take a different approach to dealing with players that break the rules. Goodell recently commented regarding domestic violence in the NFL, “We do not have a clear and consistent policy that allows us to deal with all of the issues that are arising.” While the NFL does seek to change this outdated policy, the organization did not act preemptively to ensure that players would face appropriate consequences for domestic violence.
In contrast, athletic coaches at Biola University train players to have a God-focused mindset and a clear understanding of the rules and expectations from the beginning.
“Everything we do is stemmed off of loving our team,” said women’s softball head coach Lorie Coleman.
Coleman said that the philosophy of loving the team wholeheartedly supports the purpose of serving God fully.
“We serve God by loving the team. It’s never about ‘me,’” Coleman said.
Coleman explained that loving the team involves following the rules set in place and being respectful of how one person’s actions could affect everyone else on the team.
Coleman discussed a system for mentoring athletes that she instituted after becoming the coach in fall 2009. As the head coach, she directly mentors the seniors on the team. Alumni players mentor juniors on the team to teach them leadership skills as they prepare to take over much of the team leadership as seniors. Sophomores are part of a group Bible study. Seniors mentor all the new freshman players. Coleman says that this system works effectively in training athletes mentally and building community among players.
Dr. David Holmquist, director of athletics and men’s basketball head coach, also works to ensure that players learn the importance of contributing to the team and becoming better people.
“On the court, you teach them to play hard and be good teammates, meaning that they’re unselfish and play real hard. Coaches influence that. You’re trying to develop a team that cares.”
Holmquist discussed the importance of following biblical principles in the context of athletics.
“A coach can make a real contribution to that,” Holmquist said.
Volleyball head coach Aaron Seltzer said that situations in an athlete’s personal life can affect how she plays on the court and represents her team. Seltzer explained the importance of learning to balance life’s ups and downs.
“Bad day on a test, how does that affect you here? Bad day on the court, how does that affect your life outside of here?” Seltzer said.
Seltzer believes that learning to manage these situations provides great training for life outside of college.
While the NFL may fail to have a clear and consistent policy for their players to follow, Biola coaches want to approach athletics differently. They have philosophies that keeps God at the center, this philosophy governing all other actions. The coaches want players to treat each other with respect and the players know they will face consequences if they break the rules. This type of approach, according to Biola coaches, effectively fosters strong community in a team setting.
