With the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi underway, and the Paralympic Games just around the corner, this month’s “Meet the Masters” features Snowboard Master Learning Facilitator Natasha Burgess, a Competition – Development trained coach who is currently completing her Advanced Coaching Diploma at the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic.

Burgess plays a vital role for snowboard in Atlantic Canada as she spends her time in four different coaching capacities: working with athletes, training National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) coaches, developing Learning Facilitators locally, and training Master Learning Facilitators nationally; impacting snowboard at every level.
“I have a training group at home with six 15- and 16 year-old future elite level snowboarders,” explained Burgess. “As I’ve developed, I’ve realized that the coaching side of things is really what I love to do.”

Burgess was introduced to the NCCP by her own gymnastics coach and mentor who encouraged her at 16 to take an NCCP Level 1 course. Taking that course, and watching her coach mentor, has moulded Burgess’ life.

“I had a really great experience as a little kid in gymnastics where my coaches were really my mentors. Watching them go through university, advance through coaching, and go into their careers - I wanted to be just like them, so I did all of those things too,” said Burgess. “Essentially, I copycatted their lives. Growing up, my coach always drove a Subaru, so I wanted one, too!”

Eventually, Burgess transitioned from a gymnastics coach to snowboard but retained the lessons of her mentors. In snowboard, Burgess has established herself as a friendly coach, someone an athlete can relate to. She self-identifies as the type of coach who can give athletes advice on their snowboarding, but also help them with their studies and their life.

True to her character of sharing and mentorship, Burgess offered these words of advice to young coaches in snowboard:

“Start by taking NCCP training, then seek out the areas from that training that you want more information about. It can be difficult to find a mentor. Be open to talking to other coaches, reaching out to people and asking questions.”

As the country continues to cheer on Canada’s athletes and coaches in the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, the Coaching Association of Canada is proud to recognize coaches and coach developers across the country for the impact they have on the development of winter sport in our country.

For more from Natasha Burgess, check out the following Change Your Game videos!