Making youth sports works for kids requires some people to wear a lot of hats. One of those people is Bend native Donnie Emerson. Emerson is currently the boys soccer coach and leader of Special Olympics/Adaptive Sports at Mountain View High School. Add to that running a soccer club, officiating and being a father to athletes… Donnie helps make it happen.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Bend Oregon. I attended St. Francis, Pilot Butte, and Bend High School. My mom has 13 brothers and sisters. I grew up with over 50 first cousins. I grew up competing. We would ride our bikes around down town Bend looking for games, or kids to play against. Football, baseball, basketball, even a wrestling or boxing match.
In what capacity are you currently involved in youth sports?
I am the current Head boys soccer coach at MVHS. I am also the Special Olympics/Unified Sports coordinator for MV. Aside from High School sports, I am the founder of Cascade Rush Soccer (NOW FC CASCADE), a local 501c3 non-profit soccer club. I also am a Varsity High School Basketball Official.
In what past capacities have you been involved?
1998-2001- BOYS JV SOCCER MVHS
2001-2003- FOUNDER OF Central Oregon Indoor Soccer Center
2001- 2008- HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY SOCCER OFFICIAL
2008-2011- BOYS JV SOCCER MVHS
2012- 2018- GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER MVHS
2018-Current- BOYS VARSITY MVHS
2009- Current- HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBLL OFFICIAL
2009-2011- OREGON TOP SOCCER PROGRAM DIRECTOR (PLAYERS WITH DISABILITIES)
What do you love about youth sports?
I love the life lessons sports teach children…. Working together, working hard, sharing, empathy, compassion, unity
What I love most about high school sports is watching hard work come together. Watching these kids from the time they are little, to teenagers. Watching them develop into young adults. Lessons, and comradery.
What is your specialty/calling/driving force in youth sports?
I want kids to better understand life through sports. I initially got in to coaching because I loved sports. Now I coach because I love being around the kids and watching them Fall in love with the game I teach.
What’s some wisdom you’d be willing to share with us?
Sports, like life, are a gift from GOD. Never take a moment for granted. Value the time you invest because it goes by quick.
Who has influenced your view/path in youth sports?
Two things have influenced me when it comes to coaching. First, all the coaches that coached me. Second, my own kids. As a parent I have been on the sideline as my own children have had successes and failures, road the benches, and been the stars. To me the most important part of coaching is instilling the love for the game in every kid. My coaches, Ron Ricketts, Don Hayes, Gary Hamel, and many others instilled that love in me and I want to pass that on.
Any thing else to add?
A youth coach, including high school, should not be judged on wins and losses. The should be judged on they amount of players that become coaches and pass the love of game on, the smiles on faces, and the values those players learn.