Coach Development: Finding Yourself Beyond the Boathouse

At winter break, I find myself thinking about identity. Specifically, how easy it is for coaches to forget who we are beyond our role at the boathouse. We become so immersed in our coaching personas that stepping away—even briefly—can feel like leaving part of ourselves behind.

The winter break offers more than just a pause in the training calendar; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the multifaceted people we are beyond our coaching roles. The person who has interests unrelated to sport. The friend who can talk about topics other than technique and race plans. The family member who is fully present at holiday gatherings rather than mentally reviewing recruiting lists.

Years ago, a more experienced coach shared something that dramatically affected my approach to breaks: “The best ideas I’ve ever had about coaching came when I wasn’t trying to think about coaching at all.”

He explained how making genuine mental space away from the sport allowed his mind to process challenges differently, leading to creative solutions he might never have discovered while problem-solving actively. He found inspiration in podcasts about musicians and stories his children shared about their experiences in grade school.

It’s often in the mental space when we’re not actively engaged that our most innovative ideas emerge. Think about the ideas that come to you during a quiet shower or a run without music playing.

So, as we enjoy winter break, I have a challenge for you: Instead of taking a forced break just from coaching, try reconnecting actively with all the other parts of who you are. Engage in activities that challenge different parts of your brain. Create something unrelated to sport. Connect with friends and family who aren’t familiar with rowing. Dare to let yourself be bored.

When you return to the boathouse, not only will you feel refreshed but also you’ll bring fresh energy and creative ideas to practice. You’ll be able to make decisions with the benefit of a broader perspective. You’ll connect with your athletes and fellow coaches on a more human level and model for them the benefits of thoughtful work-life integration.

This holiday season, remember that the boathouse will still be there when you return. But it’s up to you to return to it energized, inspired, and ready to tackle the rest of the year.  

Madeline Davis Tully competed as a lightweight rower at Princeton and on the U-23 national team before coaching at Stanford, Ohio State, Boston University, and the U-23 national team. Now a leadership and executive coach, she is the founder of the Women’s Coaching Conference.

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