"I have always believed that people who know better will do better, whatever the conditions or circumstances. In order to know better, we have to be taught and/or trained, and that is where the coach comes in. A coach is a leader, a teacher, and a guide. Whatever discipline or sport we are teaching, we cannot forget that what we are doing is teaching. This requires not only dedication, commitment, and a thorough knowledge of our subject matter, but it requires patience and a love for our discipline and those whom we are teaching. I believe that, by nature, we all want to be the BEST at something. We want to be a part of excellence, but sometimes our environment is void of the necessary elements to cultivate and facilitate excellence. Growing up in Jersey City, I have seen my fair share of this sad reality, where inner city youth of all backgrounds are deprived of not just resources and programs that are readily available in other communities, but also of examples that help to foster the right mindset to achieve excellence. As a coach, I believe it is my responsibility to not just instruct in the mechanics of the game of futbol (soccer), but to inspire those under my tutelage to strive for the highest level of excellence they are capable of collectively and individually. Anything less than that is a waste of time."