Interview
All ThaT It tAKES Q. How did you get started in coaching? A. I enjoy coaching and have been doing so for seven years. I got into it quite by chance and after much encouragement from a good friend. I am currently coaching four schools. In particular, coaching Nan Chiau high has given me the greatest sense of satisfaction and achievement. 2 draw&dish Jan’06
Cindy Chan Chin Li, 29 years of age, ďŹ rst got in touch with the game of basketball at the age of 11 and has been in love with the game ever since. She has been with the Singapore national squad for the past 10 years. D&D gains some candid insights from her about what it takes to be a layer and a coach.
I feel that way not because we won anything in particular but because being involved in the process of moulding and grooming young girls into disciplined, responsible, determined and committed individuals gives me great personal satisfaction. It is also the sense of achievement when I see the young girls eventually transform into young ladies with
great class and character. This is especially true of the ďŹ rst two batches I coached in 1988 and 1989. It gives a great sense of achievement to the teachers, students and me.
Q. What are the schools that you are currently coaching? A. The schools that I am currently
Interview character. Whether on court or off court, they are easily recognisable because of their winning qualities and are usually role models for others to follow. That to me is a great accomplishment!
Q. What do you think youths today lack?
coaching are: Nan Chiau high school, St Gabriel’s seconday school, Gan Eng Seng primary school and St Margaret’s seconday school.
Q. What would you rank as your greatest achievements as a player and a coach? A. I am currently playing for Aljunied Kembangan CSC, and there is still much room for the team to learn, grow and eventually become a winning team. As a player, my greatest achievement was in winning the silver medal in the 2003 SEA Games with the national team. As a coach, my greatest achievement was in coaching a team to the national top eighth ranking.
Q. What do you emphasise when coaching youths? A. I think you will be amazed at what they are capable of. I must say that my kids go through a really hard time with the training. My main emphasis is on discipline. To me the most important thing is discipline. When you have that, things start falling smoothly into place and stamina, will power and determination can be developed. It is not easy but I have seen kids prove me wrong time and again. I must really thank them for all the effort and putting their trust in me.
Based on my EXPERIENCE with neighbourhood schools, a lot of youths today lack SELF CONFIDENCE and FAITH. class? I should say a thirst for victory in a player is important, but at times what makes a player really ‘outstanding’ is the sum total of remarkable skills, discipline and great individual character which includes humility. An ‘outstanding’ player will be someone who is valued and admired by many people in more ways than one, and that usually includes their skills and
A. Based on my experience with neighbourhood schools, a lot of youths today lack self confidence and faith. They do not have big goals and dreams in life. They dare not dream big and lack the belief that they can make things happen. A lot of them are so weak psychologically that they tend to give up once they are met with obstacles or tough choices. That’s really a big difference between kids from neighbourhood schools and kids from independent schools. I really hope that this will change in years to come.
Q. Would you be glad if any of your players became coaches as well? A.I really have mixed feelings about this. It is an amazing job, although at times, everything seems so tough. It is a lot of hard work but well worth it. For the process alone it is worth it. For those with a passion for the game, it is worth even more. There are plus and minus points to being a coach. It can be tough starting out as a coach, having to gain the necessary experience and also having to stand up to criticism and sarcasm at times. It is emotionally very draining so a strong love for the job is an important prerequisite.
Q. What does it take to be an outstanding player? A. Well, there are many things make up a good player. It really depends on the definition of ‘outstanding’. Does it mean being part of a winning team or to be world Jan’06 draw&dish 3