The Other Classroom

High school sports programs are not simply one-dimensional after-school recreational diversions from the rigors of academic life. In The Other Classroom: The Essential Importance of High School Athletics, Michael J. Coffino showcases how high school athletics have a positive influence on the student athletes beyond just the sports experience itself. He argues that the lessons learned, tools acquired, and values instilled have an enduring impact that prepare young athletes for the many challenges they will face in life. Coffino reveals how a well-considered, value-based athletic program effectively works alongside the standard educational curriculum to teach athletes a wide range of beneficial behaviors-including self-advocacy, goal-setting, leadership, conflict resolution, and more.
Drawing on extensive research, illuminating anecdotes, heartfelt commentary from original interviews, and Coffino's personal coaching experience, The Other Classroom issues a passionate challenge to school administrators, coaches, athletic directors, parents, and local communities to bring greater focus on how their high school programs consider the long-term well-being of student athletes. It urges schools to emphasize the importance of preparing student athletes to flourish as adults in whatever they pursue once their formal education is complete.

Michael J. Coffino was a basketball coach for twenty-four years. He coached primarily at the high school level at public and private schools and won six league titles in his time as a head coach. Coffino has also assisted professional basketball teams. He is the co-author of the book Play It Forward (2016) and author of Odds-On Basketball Coaching: Crafting High-Percentage Strategies for Game Situations (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017).

Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
1: Criticism of High School Athletics
2: Self-Advocacy
3: Leveraging Mistakes and Failure
4: Goal Setting
5: Conquering the Comfort Zone
6: The Power of Team
7: Leadership
8: Citizenship and Community
9: Self-Esteem and Confidence
10: Pursuit of Consistency in Excellence
11: The Power of Limits
12: Effective Communication
13: Decision-Making
14: Hope and Belief: The Elixir of Athletic Competition
15: Conflict Resolution
16: Character
17: Learning the Importance of Mentors and Role Models
18: Health and Wellness
19: The Positivity Culture
Conclusion (and a New Beginning)
Appendix A: High School Athletics Mission Statement: An Exemplar
Appendix B: Chapter Hypotheticals
Notes
Suggested Reading
Index
About the Author