Tish Lavelle - North Scranton I Team Head Coach.

Summary

In this interview, Justin Bradley from Sportswire speaks with Tish Lavel, head coach of the Junior Vikings in North Scranton, Pennsylvania. Tish discusses her 15-year journey in coaching, emphasizing the importance of building good humans through sports. She highlights the close-knit community around the team, the need for equipment donations, and the powerful impact the program has on both players and coaches. Tish's passion for creating a supportive environment where children thrive and feel valued is evident throughout the conversation.

Takeaways

• 🏈 Coach Tish Lavel is a highly respected figure in the junior Vikings community in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a significant influence on the youth.
• 🌟 Tish has been coaching for 15 years and is dedicated to developing not just good football players, but good humans, including girls who cheer and boys who play football.
• 🔄 The coaching staff includes former players who have grown within the ranks, creating a bridge between experienced and new coaches.
• 💡 Tish emphasizes the importance of self-realization and confidence in children, which she finds rewarding to witness on the field.
• 🏆 The junior Vikings organization has a strong track record of success, with many of its members going on to play for prestigious teams like the Knights.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Tish believes that being part of the Vikings helps individuals become the best versions of themselves, regardless of their role within the organization.
• 👏 The community has shown strong support for the Vikings, with donations of helmets and gear, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
• 🙏 Tish is grateful for the support and emphasizes that no child will be denied participation due to lack of equipment or resources.
• 👥 The Vikings are an independent organization without a specific school affiliation, which sometimes makes funding and resources challenging.
• 🎓 The script mentions the success of former Vikings players in receiving scholarships and their representation in local high school teams.
• 🤝 Tish and her coaching staff are deeply involved in the community, often meeting to discuss player development and strategies.

Q & A

Who is the interviewee in the Sportswire video?

The interviewee is Tish Lavel, the head coach of the Junior Vikings North team in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

How long has Tish Lavel been coaching the Junior Vikings North team?

Tish Lavel has been coaching for 15 years.

What does Tish emphasize as the main goal of the coaching besides football skills?

Tish emphasizes producing good humans, focusing on character development alongside football skills.

What is the significance of the transition from the D team to the A team for the players?

The transition signifies personal growth and development, as some players who started on the D team are now coaching for the A team.

How does Tish describe the feeling when a player realizes their worth on the field?

Tish describes it as the greatest feeling in the world, seeing the light switch go on for a player as they gain confidence.

What community support did Tish mention receiving for the team's needs?

Tish mentioned receiving immediate support from Dunmore and Old Forge, who provided extra helmets for the team.

What was the original intention behind Tish's Facebook post about needing helmets?

The original intention was to find a suitable helmet for a kid who moved up from the D team to the A team, but it ended up with a community outpouring of support.

How does Tish view the role of the Vikings in the community?

Tish views the Vikings as an independent entity that is deeply integrated into the community, with many kids and families involved and benefiting from the program.

What does Tish suggest for individuals who want to contribute to the team?

Tish suggests that individuals can contribute by helping out at the field, donating gear, money, or supplies like chicken or Gatorade, all of which benefit the team.

How does Tish describe the impact of being part of the Vikings on the players' lives?

Tish describes it as a significant and positive impact, where being a Viking is a cherished part of the players' childhoods that they will look back on with a smile.

What is the role of the coaching staff in the life of the players beyond the field?

The coaching staff is deeply involved in the players' lives, providing support and guidance, and even sharing personal moments and challenges outside of football.