Alicia has played baseball all her life; for some of that time with the Cobourg Angels. After moving back from Alberta, Smith got involved with the CanPitch Program which teaches young girls, from 7 to 14 years old, how to pitch fast ball. It was a homecoming in a number of ways for her and she was soon coaching her former team, the Angels and then the Whitby Eagles U19 team.
As an employee of the Cobourg Police Service, Smith helped restart the CPS Bingo Nights with Community Living and Respite Northumberland and was soon approached to help out with the Cobourg Challengers, a baseball team specifically designed to empower children, youth and adults that have special needs and want to play ball.
All of the coaches are volunteers and they work with players to develop their communication, teamwork and skills on the field. Smith said that one of the challenges has been working with players who cover the spectrum of special needs. “The challenge is realising that you have sixteen players, of all ages…I think it ranges from like eighteen to…I think our oldest is almost forty-two years of age…male and female and we’re not exactly sure where their cognitive levels are.”
Alicia says that it’s critical for the coaches to get to know the players and that’s what practices have been dedicated to since they started in May. Having an adaptive approach to coaching – adapting your style to their specific level of ability – has been instrumental. They have two special Olympians on the team and they’ve been easy to coach according to Smith, and then they have some players that are brand new to the game, but bring an enormous amount of enthusiasm so they just take their time with them.
“Sunday is probably my favourite day of the week.” says Alicia. For her, coaching has always given her a sense of satisfaction. She loves seeing young people, and now special needs athletes, develop and grow. “It’s the biggest reward you can get.”
To hear the complete interview, click on the link below.
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Written by Joseph Goden
