Joel Leonard and Coach Larry Michael: Q and A athletes to techletes
Michael huddles with his JV during a timeout at LSHS’ Pink Out Game. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
Editor’s Note: Before Coach Larry Michael was named Central Carolina Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year, he sat down with Give Work a Chance creator Joel Leonard to provide insight on helping the next generation of athletes successfully prepare for the workforce. The retiring coach is joined in this year’s honors by Lexington Volleyball All Conference players Kennedy Crockett, Mary Evan Thornhill and Sarah Thornhill.
Q. Why is it important to transition Athletes to Techletes?
A. Many athletes have visions of grandeur about being professional athletes. In reality, only very few make it. Statistics have shown that approximately 9 percent of high school athletes make it into college sports. Even more astounding is less than .099 percent of high school athletes make it all the way into professional sports. Many of the trades currently are paying anywhere from $25 to $45 per hour, and even more in some trades. Those athletes who are not grade eligible for college could have profitable careers in a trade.
Q. What are ways coaches and educators can prepare youths for life?
A. Too many coaches are unaware, or are lethargic, about guiding their students to adulthoods that would give them good careers. Coaches know that all their athletes are not going to make it into college, but they don't know how to prepare them for life. Coaches and educators must be taught themselves.
Q. What can be done to help athletes prepare for careers?
A. One thing that can be done is to encourage the athlete to get enrolled in CTE, Career and Technical Education, classes. At Lexington, Keith Au and Todd Bess are two of the contacts for these classes. CTE gives purpose to learning by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge. With courses that range from landscape design to culinary arts, CTE is part of a robust national approach to boosting high school graduation rates and preparing students for well-paying jobs. Many districts even partner with industry to align their course offerings with labor market needs.
Q. What are some activities students need to do to get ready?
A. One approach is summer jobs in specific industries. As already mentioned, many districts partner with industry to align their courses with the local labor market. These industries could provide internships during the summer months for students who are particularly interested in their industry. Coaches and guidance counselors could be liaisons with local industries, especially for certain athletes who are not going to college. One thing I have found is that the students, themselves, don't know what is available other than working in fast food restaurants.
As a coach, it is sad to me when I ask a young lady what her plans are after high school, and she answers, “Get a job.” Really? What kind of job? In what way is she prepared? She has no basic skills for any particular trade or industry. She has confined herself to a low paying, near poverty lifestyle for the rest of her life.
Q. Should teams visit industries?
A. It would be great for industries to open themselves up for visits and it would be very beneficial to the student athletes to see what is available in our area.
Q. Should coaches encourage businesses to interact with students?
A. By all means, local businesses should encourage students in their districts. Many businesses have a shortage of help, and this would be one way to help the business as well as the student. Careers for the students who are soon to graduate and workers for the local businesses, wow, what a concept. Prosperity for all. Raising the economy in our hometown, by higher paying jobs with skilled laborers.
Nice idea! Let’s go for it.
