Heart of a Coach
Jan/Feb 2010

Scott Higgins USA Curling National Director of Coach Develpment

Chosen Attribute: Courage

Dictionary definition: “The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear.”
My definition: “Confidence in the sovereignty of God in seemingly impossible or unachievable circumstances, coupled with the awareness that He is engaged in the process and ultimately responsible for the outcome.”

Favorite Scripture that deals with courage: Joshua 1:7-9 (NASB) – “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you, wherever you go” (v.9).

Why I chose this passage: “I love the story of Joshua because it demonstrates that God chooses, prepares and refines leaders, just as He does today with coaches at every level. In choosing leaders God requires biblical courage. At some point, coaches are positioned by the Lord in their careers to take on difficult circumstances and tasks, whether that is in dealing with specific athletes or teams or in rebuilding entire programs.

“We must be biblically courageous with our lives and in fulfilling His purposes through our coaching.”

“The Lord knew that Joshua, while brave and faithful, would face hesitation and fear in leading Israel. Thus, he exhorted Joshua to be ‘strong and courageous’ and rely on His strength and provision. As coaches, we often live the life of Joshua. We must be biblically courageous with our lives and in fulfilling His purposes through our coaching.”

How courage applies to curling: “It takes courage to tackle the challenges and responsibilities God has called me to in the sport of curling. It is a sport steeped in recreation and participation, which doesn’t mesh with the demands of preparing athletes and coaches to compete consistently at a high level. I must have the courage to stay the course daily and, in every interaction, change the culture into one that is more performance-focused.”

How courage applies to my life: “Supporting coaches and athletes can be allconsuming in an Olympic year, and it takes courage for me to lay aside work in the evening hours and weekends and realize that it’s OK to take a break.

“Early in my career I viewed courage as an expression of my own outward actions and relied on my personal efforts in complex situations. As I have matured in my walk with the Lord, though, I’ve learned that biblical courage can be quiet and steadfast. It ultimately requires us to surrender to God’s sovereignty and trust Him completely with outcomes we cannot control.”

About the Coach Alma Mater: • University of New Hampshire Coaching Career: •U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Athletic Department (1999-2004) •Strength and conditioning consultant for 2002 Olympic medalists and 2006 Olympians Travis Mayer (with Higgins on left) and Shannon Bahrke •National Director of Coach Development for USA Curling (2007-Present) FCA Story: “Last February I was headed to our Olympic Trials in Denver when I met Idaho FCA Area Director Ken Lewis and his wife on an airplane. I’d had an extraordinarily tough December and January and was empty spiritually—no gas in my tank. The conversation I had with Ken really impacted me and rekindled the passion I have for coaching and ministry. It reaffirmed how present the Lord is in our lives, even when we are spiritually dry. God always knows exactly when to connect us to the right people and help us keep our focus on Him and His purpose for our lives.”

--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.