Year 10 Sports Coaching

Year 10 Sports Coaching, Guest Speaker

On 9 September, the Year 10 Sports Coaching elective class received a visit from Dillon Stith, a renowned basketball player and coach. Dillon shared his incredible story with us, and taught us a few life lessons along the way. 

His story began in a small town in Virginia, USA, where there were few opportunities to really make an impact on the ‘basketball world’. He went through the generic high school system, playing basketball for his junior varsity team, and was good enough to go to College. However, his grades needed to improve. After hard work, he overcame that barrier, and proceeded to a College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here, he was pushed day in day out by his very authoritative coach, as well as his determined and loving brother. While he disliked the workload, in retrospect, he can see how helpful it was in improving his game. In this college, he received many opportunities, one being to come to Australia. He bought a one-way ticket, and has strived to make it as high as possible in Australian basketball.  

He now coaches the McKinnon Cougars U/16’s, as well as dominating in their seniors division (State Champion, Finals MVP, avg. 35 points and 13.5 rebounds). He also works as a Melbourne United training player, because he has not yet received his Australian citizenship (which when he does, he will most likely do their rosters). He got the opportunity, through Melbourne United, to play against a full strength Oklahoma City Thunder team. He is enjoying his life in Australia, and was glad he took the opportunity to come here. 

In the talk we had as a class, Dillon taught us about the importance of will power, mental strength, persistence, taking your opportunities, and being accountable.  

Our class loved having Dillon talk to us and share his views on coaching, playing sports and just sharing his story. 

James  and Johnny

Year 10