Coach Mike Hallenbeck is one of the only people to coach two different sports with two different genders. Here at Gloversville  High School, Hallenbeck coaches both girls JV soccer and boys freshman basketball. He is a former student and athlete who attended Gloversville and has been teaching physical education at the middle school for three years. In order to find out the differences between coaching males and females, PawPrints conducted an interview with the very talented Coach Hallenbeck.

PawPrints: You used to attend Gloversville High School.  What’s it like to coach sports at the school you attended?

Hallenbeck: I love it, it’s nice to come back to the community you grew up in and have a positive impact on student athletes’ lives.

PawPrints: Do you approach conditioning your female athletes differently than your male athletes?

Hallenbeck: No.  I feel males and females can both handle the same amount of conditioning.

PawPrints: Is there a difference in your coaching style with males and females?

Hallenbeck: Yes. Females will do anything I ask them to, they listen very well. Males sometimes question my methods.

PawPrints: Do your expectations change when coaching males/females?

Hallenbeck: No.  I expect the same from both, which is to give me their very best effort every time.

PawPrints: Do you communicate differently with males and females?

Hallenbeck: Yes. I have to pay more attention to the tone I use when coaching females.

PawPrints: What are some different motivation techniques you use?

Hallenbeck: With the females, they can tell when I’m disappointed and it makes them play harder. With the males I can be more direct with my constructive criticism.

PawPrints: Which do you prefer, coaching males or females?

Hallenbeck: No comment  :)

PawPrints: Knowing you are early on in your coaching and teaching career, is coaching two different sports/genders something you plan on doing the in future?

Hallenbeck: Yes. I love coaching both sports and also the challenges that come with coaching two different genders.

PawPrints thanks Coach Hallenbeck for his time and wishes him luck in the seasons ahead.