Tag Archive for: coaching style

MADDIE IS MONEY ON THE COURSE

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LOWELLVILLE, OH-  From the fairways to the classroom, Maddie Esposito is making her mark. This determined Lowellville golfer, currently enjoying her third year in the sport, sat down with YSN Live’s Eric Hughes to share her journey into golf, her inspirations, and her future aspirations.

Esposito, who began playing golf in her sophomore year, was drawn to the sport by a coach she admired. “I kind of just joined because of the coach. We liked him as a teacher,” she recalled. Her journey has had its highlight moments, including an impressive birdie at last year’s sectionals.

However, golf isn’t without its critics. Addressing the common misconception that golf isn’t a “real sport,” Esposito shared her perspective. “It’s a lot more mental than physical…if you have a bad shot, if you don’t shake it off, then it’s going to affect you the whole time,” she explained. “It’s hard. I think it’s a sport. Still exhausting—three hours of a match.”

Though Maddie previously played volleyball and softball, she found her true passion in golf, attributing part of her early development to her freshman year softball coaches, Josh and Courtney Kelly. “They were amazing coaches…they got to actually know you personally,” Esposito said, appreciating their holistic approach to coaching.

Aside from sports, Maddie’s biggest role model is her mother. “She’s always pushing me and trying to make me do better and be my best self,” Maddie shared warmly.

As for the future, Maddie plans to pursue higher education, with aspirations to attend Ohio University or possibly start at Youngstown State University before transferring. Her academic interests are as focused as her golf game—she has set her sights on a career in forensics, a field she believes aligns with her skills and interests.

With her dedication on and off the green, Maddie Esposito is certainly a name to watch. As she continues to excel, Lowellville stands proudly behind their rising star.
For more in-depth interviews and profiles, tune into YSN Live.

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WARREN JFK BOY’S SOCCER COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ANTHONY LEDENKO

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WARREN, OH-  Five years into his tenure as the head coach of Warren JFK boys soccer, Anthony Ledenko continues to inspire and challenge his team against all odds. Recalling his journey from joining as an assistant coach for the girls’ program in 2019 to leading the boys’ team through various trials and triumphs, Coach Ledenko’s story is a testament to perseverance and dedication.

Reflecting on his first season in 2020, where the team faced a daunting 0-16 record amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Ledenko acknowledges the struggle as a transformative phase. “We weren’t 0-16 bad. We had a culture that needed changing completely,” he reveals. His focus on cultural shift rather than immediate victories has been instrumental in turning the program around. The team’s record progressively improved, boasting a 14-4 streak and a district final appearance two years later.

Despite this year being tough, with a spate of newer players, including nine freshmen, Ledenko’s optimism remains unshaken. His strategic emphasis on daily improvement over the long season ensures that the team is prepared for the playoffs. “The goal this year is to get better every single day,” he insists.

Ledenko deeply cherishes his roots in the JFK program, driving his relentless pursuit to elevate JFK soccer to the same esteem as its renowned football and basketball programs. He actively engages his players with the rich history of JFK sports, hoping to motivate them by bridging past achievements with current aspirations.

This season’s key players include Nick Ryan, a two-time Allstate athlete, and Christian Swagger, a versatile senior, among others. Freshman talent like Anthony Brzezinski signifies a promising future, reflecting Lodenko’s skill in nurturing new talent.

Asked about his evolving coaching style, Lodenko admits, “I got less and less intense, a little more loose, a little more lax.” His dynamic approach, adapting to the players’ needs and situational demands, has been a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.

Ledenko’s journey is also fueled by daily doses of inspiration from icons like Jim Valvano, Muhammad Ali, and Kobe Bryant. “That sort of thing gets me into my element, getting ready to go,” he shares.

Anthony Ledenko’s continuous commitment and adaptive strategies signify a bright horizon for Warren JFK boys soccer. His passion, deeply intertwined with the program’s history and his forward-looking philosophy, makes him not just a coach but a true leader for the Eagles.

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ORANGE WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRODY ARRUNDALE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Orange Wrestling Coach’s Corner,” Coach Brody Arrundale opens up about his first year as head coach of the varsity wrestling program at Orange High School in Pepper Pike.
Coach Arrunndale reflects on the rising popularity of wrestling, crediting the inclusion of women in the sport for its recent growth. He emphasizes the importance of managing expectations for the young team, highlighting their potential and strong leadership qualities.
With a focus on making the sport enjoyable and beneficial for the student-athletes, Arrundale stresses the significance of instilling discipline and nurturing personal growth. He also shares his own journey into wrestling, speaking about his passion for the sport and the invaluable lessons it has taught him.
As the team only has one senior, Arrundale sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity for the underclassmen to step up and develop their skills.
Arrundale’s leadership style revolves around creating a supportive and motivating environment, where students are encouraged to work hard for each other and understand the personal growth that comes from their dedication to the sport.
The coach’s personal motivation stems from his deep understanding of what wrestling can offer beyond traditional achievements, and he is committed to passing on the sport’s valuable lessons to the next generation of athletes.
Orange High School’s wrestling program is in good hands with Coach Arrundale at the helm, and the upcoming season looks promising under his guidance.

 

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