Seth Coffing is a devoted coach, mentor, and leader with a proven track record. Since high school, he has been accumulating victories in football, basketball, and baseball, and he has continued to do so in his 19-year-long coaching career.
Seth is a team leader adept at working with people of different ages and backgrounds, helping them perform at the highest levels.
Tell us something about yourself that people don’t know about you.
I am a very disciplined person. People see me as laid back, which is true. However, because of my competitive nature, when I set goals and establish routines, I am very disciplined.
What are your strengths?
I am self-motivated and persistent. I am the type of person that when given a task or set a goal for myself that I am motivated to complete those tasks and goals. My ability to connect with people and establish trusting relationships is a major strength of mine that has allowed for great self and team accomplishments throughout my life as well.
What is your proudest achievement?
Throughout my education, coaching and playing career, I have been a part of many different team accomplishments and championships as well as classroom successes with students. However, I am proudest of the relationships that I have built with my former students and athletes. I have former students and athletes that frequently reach out to me that are now successful adults with families and careers.
When you first started out, was there ever a time you doubted this career would work for you?
In my line of work and career, I think this is a common thought. Being involved in education is always challenging. There are constantly changing standards that need to be met and students, athletes, and parents that have different needs and expectations. I have to keep the big picture in mind throughout each step of the process to reach the end goals.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the past few months?
I decided to step away from coaching for the time being. I know that I will be back on the sidelines or field in the very near future, but I think taking time to recharge is crucial moving forward.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
Looking at some of the strengths that I listed before, I believe that those are keys to my success. I also believe that my ability to see my weaknesses and having a growth mindset are essential for both present and future. I firmly believe that people can change for the better; however, it has to be something that individuals are ready and willing to do. I have always believed that if I’m not successful in something, I must figure out why and make changes that will allow for success.
What has been your most satisfying moment in your career?
I have coached some teams that didn’t necessarily win championships, but who were truly committed to being great teammates and took their roles on the team seriously. Individually, I am most proud of my growth as a professional and my ability to adapt to situations and keep that growth mindset.
What does the future hold for your career and what are you most excited about?
I am excited to see what the future holds in my career, although I’m not positive what that will look like. With my experience and success, I have many opportunities, and I enjoy thinking about which direction my career could take me.
What books have inspired you?
There are many different coaching books that I have read that have inspired me to look at things differently. However, one that stands out is The Pyramid of Success, which discusses in detail famous Coach John Wooden’s success model for his teams.