Davis,+R.

Name:Matt Davis

Guiding Question: Would I consider being a coach of youth sports in the future?

(optional) Use this space to list possible activities, tasks, experiences. Remember everything you do should help you answer your Guiding Question.

(Required) This plan is a “best guess” as to what you and your mentor think you will be doing. It is not meant to be a hard and fast schedule for your Exploration. The plan should illustrate how you intend to complete a minimum of 80 hours.


 * = Date ||= Location/Activity ||= Number of Hours ||
 * = 4/9 - 6/1 ||= Naamans Little League/19 games ||= about 65 hours ||
 * = 4/9 - 6/1 ||= Naamans Little League/ 1 to 2 practices a week for 8 weeks ||= 24 hours ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 89 ||

Journal #1: So far, my plan of action has been corresponding to the number of hours i have received quite well. There have been a few games postponed due to weather but all of those games were rescheduled and played at a later date. The previous week there were three games and two practices creating a total of thirteen hours for the week. Practices are where I gain most of my ability to answer my guiding question because that is where I have most of my interactions with the kids. I work with them on different types of drills helping them become better players. During these practices I have built relationships with a lot of the players. They players, who range from 9 - 12 years old, have begun to look up to me. During games I don't have as many interactions with the players because there is a limit on how many coaches are allowed in the dugout. So, i sit on the bleachers right next to the dugout right next to the head coach, who is also my mentor, and i keep track of how many pitches the pitcher has thrown each inning and over the course of the game. It is very important that i keep my mentor updated on this because there is a limit on how many pitches can throw in a game. This rule was made to prevent these kids from throwing out their arms at a young age which could lead to them not being able to play as they get older. Seeing these kids work hard in practice then being able to transfer that hard work into winning games is special when you know you have helped them become better.

Journal #2 My plan of action is still fairly accurate but the regular season has ended but with my teams winning record we are now in the playoffs. So, now there is at least one more game added possibly two if they win. In preparation for this the team already has two more scheduled practices and possibly another. This week so far there have already been two games totaling at six hours but towards the end of the week the two scheduled practices on friday and saturday which are two hours a piece. I have become pretty confident that I would enjoy coaching youth sports in the future especially if it is a sport that i grew up with and loved. Seeing these kids take something so seriously but still have fun at the same time is something you don't see as much as you get into higher levels. With the playoffs coming up for these kids they might be a little nervous, but they are mostly excited and can't wait to play these games. These next few games mean everything to these kids right now. I know because I was the same way when I was twelve playing on the same team and also with the same coach. I am excited to see how everything plays out, but regardless of what happens I have definitely enjoyed the experience so far. Journal #3 Throughout my exploration i followed my plan of action accurately with the addition to two playoff games that have occurred before my pol. The third game of the playoff series will happen on friday after my presentation and if the team wins the series it will continue onto next week. So, this past week has been the conclusion of the regular season, some extra practices to get ready for the post season and the start of the post season. The team ended the season very strongly finishing second in the league with one of the youngest teams in the league. The youth of the team shows a promising future for this team. I personally have greatly appreciate the opportunity to witness the growth of this team over the past couple of weeks. Early in the season the team had its struggles not playing to their full potential. With the teams youth it would of been hard to predict the team would end up up where they are now. The team was able to overcome this with strong play for the rest of the season losing very few games. They were able to do this with consistent strong play from their older more experienced players and by some of the younger players stepping up and playing major roles. this experience was truly a great one and I would definitely consider coaching youth sports when I am older.


 * POL Comments [MJ Smith]**


 * Nice presentation about his responsibilities and experience during the baseball season with a team he used to play for. Matt completed his journal entries. He still needs to get his sponsor/mentor report in.**