Week 9 – Coach of the Week
Coach Karen Battle, with over 20 years of coaching experience across sports like volleyball, track and basketball, is now in her second year leading the girls flag football program at Cleveland Heights. After spending a decade coaching girls basketball, she embraced the opportunity to expand her reach and connect with a more diverse group of student-athletes.
"Coaching girls flag has allowed me to teach skill development to athletes for whom this is often their first sport," Battle said. "It's been a blessing to help them balance sports and academics while fostering new skills."
For Battle, teamwork, sportsmanship and character are the foundations of a successful team. She emphasizes the importance of athletes supporting one another, especially in times of difficulty.
"When a teammate is feeling down, it is the expectation of others to ensure they feel supported," she explained.
Battle also works closely with her players, setting personalized goals to help each one develop both on the field and as individuals.
"I try to tailor my coaching to the way each athlete learns best," she added.
Battle strongly believes in the importance of family involvement and works diligently to build strong relationships with players' families.
"Without the support of parents, the program will struggle," she said.
She makes it a priority to greet and engage with parents before or after games, offering feedback on their children's progress and areas for growth. This connection between home and the field creates a unified approach to supporting each player.
Beyond the field, Battle recognizes the life lessons that sports, particularly flag football, can teach. She recalled an instance during a game when a quarterback supported a teammate who had made a mistake, showing resilience and teamwork.
"The lesson was clear: it's okay to trust others, even when they mess up," Battle said.
She hopes her athletes take away a sense of self-belief and resilience that will serve them both on the field and in life. Through ... Click here to read full article
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