Robbie Handy Q&A


JM: How has the transition been from Assistant Coach to Head Coach?


It is a huge learning curve and exciting. Te workload is large and never-ending, but I love every aspect of it. It is challenging learning to leave it at the front door when I get home, but I have an amazing wife who is patient with me.


JM: What is your coaching philosophy?


Hard work is the key ingredient to success and success requires sacrifice. I believe you get out what you put in; you reap what you sow. I want the guys within the team to develop personal relationships with Christ and use my life as an example. Te healthier their relationship with Christ, the more improved every aspect of their lives becomes.


JM: What specifically has helped you to become a better coach?


Remaining a student of the game and consistently focusing on the small details of the program. I continue to read materials on individuals who have success at leading others and try to implement those things into our program. I am constantly challenged with focusing my time and energy on things I can control and letting the other things go.


JM: How do you encourage athletes to stay balanced spiritually, academically and athletically?


Prioritize their time and remind them what they are here for at this time in their lives, student- athletes, in that order. I provide and encourage accountability through devotionals, study-buddies, and constant communication, all while building relationships with them.


JM: What surprises you most about coaching?


How little it is about X’s and O’s. What I mean is, the job involves so much more, from recruiting, to fundraising, logistics with scheduling trips and events, academic advising, to being a tour guide, and counselor to many. I also believe, so much more impacts the product on the field aside from the X’s and O’s, such as the pressures they deal with socially, academically, spiritually and athletically. How is their confidence, rest levels, what are they


eating, the team chemistry off the field, their home life situations, all affect their mindset coming into a game and at practice.


JM: In what ways are you a role model for your players?


I am a walking, breathing example of a man saved by grace. I have walked in many of their shoes, made many more bad, selfish decisions than they have and can share with them the alternative, a life lived for Christ. I want to be as transparent as I can to say, “Do not go there, it is not worth it, here is the alternative.”


JM: As a dad to two kids, do you want them to play soccer someday? What would be your advice to them as athletes?


Sure, it would be fun to see them play this game, but I don’t mind at this point if they ever take a liking to it.


My advice to them as athletes would be the same regardless of the sport or activity. Commitment, sacrifice and hard work are a must. Focus on your strengths and the things within your control and believe that your success lies in knowing you put your best effort forward, in preparing and executing.


JM: How do you make sure your players get the most out of their abilities as student athletes?


Put them in positions to play to their strengths and not their weaknesses. For our guys who are fast and not necessarily the most technical, I want him to look for the ball where he can use that skill set and not be forced to use his less sharpened skill set. Explain how to draw their abilities out and sharpen them. Hard work, repetitions and technique.


Warriors Move to GSAC


Tis summer the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Board of Directors announced that William Jessup University will become the league’s ninth member beginning in the 2014-15 season as announced by Dr. Paul Ague, Chair of the GSAC Council of Presidents.


Adding William Jessup University extends the conference footprint into Northern California for the first time.


“Te GSAC is arguably one of the strongest conferences in the NAIA,” said Mitch Pleis, Director of Athletics at William Jessup University. “We are excited about the opportunity and challenge to compete in such a prestigious conference with schools of similar backgrounds. Tis represents another step in our growth as an athletic department and university.”


Te GSAC membership includes Arizona Christian University, Biola University, Concordia University Irvine, Hope International University, San Diego Christian College, Te Master’s College, Vanguard University and Westmont College, which are all faith-based institutions.


According to the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup 2012-13 standings, the GSAC conference placed five schools in the top 35 in the nation out of 203 NAIA institutions. Concordia finished third with national championships in volleyball and softball. Westmont finished 13th with a national championship in women’s basketball.


“On behalf of the current eight members of the GSAC, I welcome William Jessup University into the conference. Te university fits within our conference mission and strategic plan,” said Ague.


After winning the 2012-13 California Pacific Conference (CAL PAC) All-Sports Award for the first time, the Warriors are looking for a successful final season.


JESSUP MAGAZINE | 21


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