Reflections of a Winning Coach: Behind the Scenes with Melody Davidson

Too often in Canadian sport, coaches, especially head coaches, work in isolation. The nature of the current system is such that there is little opportunity (except for those able to attend the Coaching Association of Canada’s annual conference, Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif) to share experiences, exchange information, discuss lessons learned, and establish networks. The Canadian Journal for Women in Coaching aims to address this deficiency by providing a forum for our leading women coaches to write about their Olympic experiences. The hope is that our readers will not only benefit from the shared knowledge, but will also gain valuable insight into the all-encompassing commitment that goes into the making of champions.

The 2006 Olympic Champions
Photo Credit : Hockey Canada

In February 2006, our hockey-loving nation was enthralled by the amazing displays of play-making and teamwork that culminated in the gold medal for our Olympic women’s ice hockey team. We watched with respect as, throughout the tournament, head coach Melody Davidson handled controversy with dignity, never failing to maintain a calm and pleasant demeanour. We saw how the team stuck to its game plan, undeterred by criticism from many quarters. And now, thanks to Melody’s candour, we learn about all the planning, hard work, trials and tribulations that combined to make the team such an effective unit. It is a story about preparation, teamwork, sharing, professionalism, and tough decisions. Above all, it is a story about caring, because Melody and her staff believed from the beginning that Olympic victory would depend upon building a team that cared about and for each other — not an easy task with players ranging in age from 19 to 40.

The Journal thanks Melody for her insightful reflections and for the vital lessons they offer to every woman coach, regardless of her level. — Sheila Robertson

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le Journal en français

JULY 2006
Vol. 6, No. 3
Front Page
CONTENTS

Reflections of a Winning Coach: Behind the Scenes with Melody Davidson

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