Coaches Highlight: James Marsh

I recently retired after 35 years of coaching.  My coaching career began when I was 18 years old and a youth coach at the YMCA in Gloversville NY. Until I retired, I was always happiest in my life when I was involved with sports and sharing that passion with kids. Being able to share life lessons which transcend the classroom, but which can be imparted through team sports, fuels my desire to continue coaching. 

Some of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a coach include watching girls graduate and go to college; having young ladies come back and tell me, “You’re the closest thing to a father I ever had,” and when suburban schools, players, coaches, parents and administrators compliment our teams on their conduct and demeanor… and winning championships!

FCA is an instrumental part of my coaching.  I appreciate the ministry’s multi-layered model where coaches learn how to reach out to athletes and their families to share the love of Christ.  FCA became involved with my program following my return to coaching after battling Stage 4 cancer. I questioned my ability, and whether I would ever be able to coach again. FCA reinforced my connection with God, and bolstered my conviction to continue to coach. There are many wonderful coaches who could have benefited from an association with FCA.  

To this day, even as a retired coach, FCA includes my athletes and me in their programs.  I have witnessed young ladies grow in leadership and team building skills from their involvement in the summer camps.  What I have learned from FCA will hopefully be a part of the legacy I wish to leave: Coach Marsh was a guy that cared much more about the well-being of his girls, than he did about winning a basketball game.

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