When Good Coaching Sparks a Comeback Season

By ISABELLA CUADRADO

When the Washingtonville Girls Varsity Flag Football team kicked off its first season in 2021, hopes were high, but results didn’t follow. A series of short lived coaching assignments and limited success left players and fans questioning the program's direction. Fast forward to this spring, a new coaching duo, renewed energy, and an almost storybook transformation. 

With seasoned coaches now at the reins and one game standing between the team and a playoff entry, it’s clear that the right leadership can change everything. The question then becomes, ‘Does who coaches the team actually matter?’ The answer seems to be a resounding ‘YES!’

Opponents of this belief argue that availability is more important than expertise. In a time when it's difficult to find coaching staff, many schools resort to assigning any teacher to teams, regardless of their sports background, just to keep programs alive. Supporters of this approach say it ensures students still have opportunities to play and build camaraderie, even if the coach isn’t an expert. They believe it’s better to have someone, anyone, than to cancel a season altogether. 

This line of thinking falls apart when compared to what happens under experienced, invested leadership. Coach Malvey and Coach Martirano, or Coach M. as he is known by students, stepped in this season despite limited experience in flag football. What they brought, however, was years of coaching experience, strong leadership skills, and a willingness to learn.

“YouTube is a beautiful thing,” Malvey joked, explaining how the two adapted their knowledge from tackle football and basketball to the nuances of flag football. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and the team responded. 

Coach M. added, “You don’t always need a new style; sometimes you just need to understand your players. You also have to go to clinics, learn new drills, and adjust.” Their willingness to research, experiment, and lead with purpose created a culture of growth and determination.

Still, not every team has access to this kind of leadership. Many coaches are assigned with little regard to fit or passion, resulting in seasons that lack motivation or development. Hiring teachers out of necessity rather than merit can hold teams back and dilute the student athlete experience. 

Players chimed in too explaining, “A great coach teaches you the fundamentals and pushes you to improve. They tell you what you’re doing wrong, and how to fix it, while still being someone you can talk to.” 

Another added, “You don’t have to be good at a sport to coach it well, but you do need to care.” The sad truth is that sometimes teachers that are just there to keep the sport ‘alive’ don’t always have the time to put in this much effort. 

The solution lies in flexibility: allow schools to hire coaches outside the district staff, qualified, passionate individuals who want to lead and mentor. Just being a parent or a staff member shouldn’t be the only qualification. Knowledge, effort, and heart should carry more weight than convenience.

As Washingtonville’s flag football team proves, when players are matched with coaches who are willing to learn, adapt, and lead with purpose, anything is possible. From a rocky beginning to the brink of playoffs, this season is more than a comeback, it’s a Cinderella story in cleats.