Heart of a Coach
June/July 2010

Natasha Brown Drake University Track & Field Coach

Chosen Topic: Arrogance

Dictionary definition: “An offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.”

My definition: “To be boastful or disrespectful in an attempt to appear smarter, wiser or better than someone else.”

Favorite Scripture that deals with arrogance: Luke 14:11 – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Why I chose this verse: “It reminds me to keep my pride in check. When I’m in a right relationship with God, He pours out His wisdom on me and I’m able to see things with more clarity than if I were to look at them from my ego’s perspective.”

“It is arrogant for me to speak and act as though my thoughts and opinions are always the best.”

How arrogance affects coaching: “As coaches, we spend much of our time trying to prove our worth. It’s easy to fall into the trap of promoting ourselves and trying to make others see our value. After a while, we begin to believe that we have all the answers and should make all the decisions.

“Personally, I first have to recognize when I start operating out of my flesh and then pause to regroup in the Spirit. Second, I must remember that God placed me in this role for a reason and that it’s not just about winning track meets. Third, I have to take advantage of the wise counsel He’s given me. It is arrogant for me to speak and act as though my  thoughts and opinions are always the best.”

How arrogance affects life off the track: “Arrogance can rear its head in a number of ways. Many times it’s subtle and can appear in our thoughts or in how we treat others. For example, when we don’t give others a chance to express  their thoughts or we refuse to consider another way of dealing with a situation we are literally saying that our way is best. It’s always best in these situations to pause and filter the  situation through mercy and grace.”

About the Coach: Alma Mater: •University of Missouri (1989) Coaching Career: •Drake University Head Track & Field Coach   Women’s team: 2000 - Present   Men’s team: 2003 - Present Athletic Career: •2-time Olympian (1992, 1996)     -1992 4x400m silver medalist •Member of 16 U.S. National teams •6-time NCAA All-American FCA Involvement: Over the years, Brown has both given and received ministry through FCA. She’s served as a coach at the FCA Sports Camp in Pella, Iowa, and has spoken at local Huddles, and she and her husband also have attended FCA spouse retreats. “Those were some of the best times of my life,” Brown said. “I felt transformed, renewed, rested and rejuvenated by spending time with believers who professed their love for Christ and walked in His light.” FCA Staff Quote: “Coach Brown is a gracious, godly woman who is able to balance her faith, family and coaching. I wish there were more coaches like her who really cared about their athletes for more than what they could accomplish.” – Jan Werling, FCA Area Representative Central/Western Iowa

--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.

Courtesy of Drake Media Relations