Lauren Smith -- Convention Experience
Women's Assistant Volleyball Coach, Greensboro College
Q: What were your expectations before attedning the convention and were they met? If so, how? If not, how?
Lauren: My expectations for the tournament were to meet a lot of coaches and network in the hopes to advance my career. To learn and soak up all the information of people who were going to me teaching the sessions. This was my first time at the convention but I was told that it would be a lot of informational sessions. My expectations were met and beyond. Very satisfied with whom I met and what I learned!
Q: Did your coaching philosophy change after attending the convention or did it remain the same? (If you didn't have one before, do you have one now?)
Lauren: My coaching philosophy remained basically the same. Surrounded with education, values, service and fundamentals. Appreciating the individuals but growing together as a team. It just reinforced them!
Q: What was your most memorable moment at the Convention? Or, please explain any "aha!" moments you may have experienced.
Lauren: One of the best moments was when I realized how bad my resume was in the session with Jeff Gonyea. Here I was thinking that I was this successful person that had some decent experience but he made me realize how bored people were reading the same stuff for thousands of applicants and how much redundant and meaningless common sense stuff was listed on it. I want to market myself more positively and creatively and he helped tremendously. Also when it hit me that I have to be brave enough to take chances and go where I am not comfortable to get to where I eventually want to be. I may have to leave family and friends. This came from the conversations we were having with the leaders of our Minority Convention!
