By KEN GROSSE
FEB. 04, 2020 9:40 AM
No matter the sport, the single element that translates most directly to long-term success at the high school level is coaching. Certainly, the best of the best are those with longevity at their institutions coupled with superior knowledge of a sport’s physical, mental and tactical requirements. That may be the easy part. In today’s world, they must also possess the increasingly rare ability to connect with young student-athletes and develop them as players, competitors and human beings while integrating them into a fully-functioning team. Add to that the flexibility to adapt to both an ever-changing roster and the constantly evolving mindsets of the newer generations of young people playing their games. A demanding set of necessities meant for special people.