Since joining Beaver’s coaching staff in 2021, Whitney Koch has brought her passion for athletics to both Girls Middle School Soccer and the 13.1 Project. A former high school and collegiate track and field athlete, Ms. Koch emphasizes leading by example, building confidence, and helping students recognize their potential. We caught up with Coach Koch to discuss her coaching philosophy, this fall’s soccer season, and the challenges and rewards of distance running.
How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
I believe that our bodies and minds are more capable than we think they are. If we challenge ourselves and keep doing hard things, we start to build internal examples of how capable we truly are. I will never ask my athletes to do something I am not willing to do.
What’s been the highlight of your Girls Middle School Soccer season?
Our team motto this year has been ‘Small, but Mighty.’ Our roster is on the shorter side, but the girls continue to show up and work extremely hard. I’ve seen improvements in communication, ball possession, and one-on-one play, and I’ve especially enjoyed watching the team grow closer and seeing families travel to support the girls.
What do you enjoy most about coaching middle school athletes?
They are funny and kind and keep me laughing. Some days it can be hard to wrap up a day of teaching and head right out onto the pitch or get on the bus for an away game. But I know I will be immediately cheered up by the girls.
How do you help 13.1 Project runners overcome self-doubt?
I do it with them! I run alongside the athletes, modeling how to work through difficult training days and build confidence through experience.
Pushing through those days can teach us to believe in our abilities. We start to remember that I did something hard last week, I can do something hard today.
What’s something people might not know about the 13.1 Project?
The program was inspired by Beaver cross country runners who wanted to continue training throughout the year and work toward completing a half marathon. Dr. Livingston, a founding and current coach, helped establish the program using her extensive endurance running experience.
What do you hope athletes take away from being coached by you?
I hope at the end of each season my athletes have changed the way that they talk to themselves. I hope they learn skills to manage their inner critic and talk to themselves like they would a friend.
What’s a memorable coaching moment?
During a particularly difficult 13.1 training run, I found myself struggling to finish. One of my former athletes, who had already completed the route, doubled back and ran and walked alongside me the rest of the way. It’s a role reversal from the usual routine, where coaches double back to support runners still on the course, and one of my favorite examples of athletes supporting one another.