The new soccer Coach, Mr. Joe DeStefano, is using his knowledge as an English teacher to help motivate his players. Coach DeStefano gives pre and post game speeches In hopes of making his players want to do better. Destefano says, “I am constantly thinking about what to say before and in the moment, I really think about the occasion and then decide what to say because I want to give guidance and not miss a moment.”
Coach’s goals when he gives these speeches to both his students and his players are purely for motivational purposes and to encourage them to believe in themselves and want to do good for themselves and others. He wants these words that he is spreading to have the same effect on the people he is giving them to as they did on him, because he has seen the power of words and wants others to see that power as well.
These speeches come from a deep passion for words.
DeStefano says, “It’s like breathing to me, it’s a passion for life, and gratitude for the miracle that is life.”
And it’s all this passion for the words that makes him want to make what he is saying perfect for that specific moment to really make it have an impact on the person or people that he is speaking to.
When he puts quotes in his speech, he says he is doing this because, “I want to borrow the power of the quote to make it more memorable.”
We know the coach feels very passionate about his speeches so we asked his kids how they feel about them. Kiefer DeStefano 28’ says his dad’s speeches sometimes make him feel uncomfortable, but also says, “While they sometimes make me uncomfortable they always make me feel empowered and like I can do great things.” Kiefer says they have an impact on the team because they inflict confidence upon them.
While K DeStefano may disagree with his dad sometimes or think his speeches are a little over the top, he thinks it is important to keep giving his speeches because it shows he cares about his players and students. It is especially important for these to be given when they have a good message and make the person feel good, which Kiefer says his dad’s speeches do.
“Yes, I think it’s important that he continues giving his speeches because they make the players feel good and empowered.” -K DeStefano
Coach DeStefano is having a lasting impact on the people around him, all with only using the power of words.