Monica Lockie, an NCCP Level 3 Certified coach, has been involved with figure skating since she was eight-years-old – first as an athlete, and then as a coach at the age of 16. Since then, she’s coached athletes in singles, pairs, and synchronized skating from the recreational level all the way up to the national championships. Also a passionate coach educator, Monica has been delivering the NCCP and evaluating coaches for over 20 years, and is this month’s featured Master Learning Facilitator.
How did you first get involved in coaching?
I have always loved sports and was very athletic, but loved the freedom and expression that figure skating had to offer. As a coach, I found a real passion in inspiring young skaters to be the best they could be and overcoming technical feats. Over the past 20 years, I have discovered another passion in supporting and educating other coaches and clubs. This desire has led me to opportunities as an NCCP Learning Facilitator, and national workshop presenter. Throughout our LTAD initiatives and planning process, I was able to lead a project that saw a revision and update of our Learn to Skate program ‘CanSkate’, along with the way we train coaches for this level of instruction.
What is your greatest coaching moment/achievement?
I experience these types of moments all the time as I truly respect my position as a coach and the affect it has on the athletes I work with. One of my favourite reflective moments was the first time I stood at the side of the rink at our National Championships with a skater that I had been working with since she first learned to skate. It was truly a fulfilling moment to have watched this young lady reach her goal of competing at Nationals.
What are 3 things you think every coach should know?
1) When you are working with athletes, young or old, you must remember -- you are working with more than a physical body, you are working with a whole person who is learning to trust themselves and push their body to new limits. This takes mental growth, so working with mental strategies alongside technique is the best combination.
2) Never underestimate the power of determination in an athlete. It is incredible what an athlete can accomplish with the right mind set, regardless of natural talent.
3) You have the ability to make a positive influence on this athlete right now. Use it wisely.
Why did you decide you wanted to become a coach?
I actually fell into coaching. The club I was skating at asked me to start coaching to help them out. I had no intentions of becoming a skating coach as a full time job. In my early years I held other jobs as well, but the more I worked with individual athletes, the more addicted I became to helping skaters reach their goals. I feel very blessed that I have been able to make a career out of something I love to do on a daily basis. Since starting coaching in 1984 I have sought out information, coaching tips, and learning strategies from continuing my education in the NCCP, as well as soliciting mentor coaches from both Canada and the United States.
How would you describe your coaching style?
My style tends to change depending on the athlete I am working with. The common thread in all my different styles would be -- supportive, clear expectations, and inspiring. I encourage the athlete to push their limits. I also use my love of the sport to lead by example -- use your passion to fuel your dreams!
How do you think your athletes would describe your coaching style in 3 words or less?
Fun. Inspiring. Demanding.
Who did you look up to as a coach early in your coaching career?
Neil Carpenter was a big influence early on. I would take my athletes to see him on a regular basis and learn different techniques and philosophies.
The next major influence was a US Coach by the name of Audrey Weisiger. She has a clear, no nonsense philosophy of learning that really allowed me to expand my skill analysis techniques and brought clarity to correction exercises and a technique building process.
I believe as coaches, we can learn so much from each other and it is important for us to stay motivated and fresh. Manon Perron has brought that ‘inspiration’ to my coaching over the past six years. Her outlook and approach to her profession has truly brought a renewed energy to my personal coaching philosophy.
What is the most important thing you have learned as part of your NCCP training?
The NCCP has taught me the science of learning for our athletes as well as the science of communication -- two key things when working with athletes.
What do you think is the importance of coach education?
Coach education is imperative for success. Our world is changing, and in it so are our athletes. We need to stay on top of the latest trends and continue to provide ourselves with new energy, information, and fuel the athletes of tomorrow. Coaches need to lead by example. We expect our athletes to expand their learning and push their limits. We need to do that as coaches too.
What words of advice would you give to aspiring Canadian coaches?
Be the kind of coach you want to be. Discover your passion and strengths. Be wise enough to ask for help and assistance in the areas needed. No one person can be all things. It takes a team to support the learning of one athlete. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who you believe in. This will create the environment necessary for success.
What is your favourite motivational coaching quote?
I have many!
Dream it, See it, Do it!
Never give up, never surrender!
Never miss an opportunity to be great.
