My native name is “Geezhebowahsay” which means “Circling in the Sky.” My family comes from Sault Ste. Marie, MI on the Sault Ste. Marie reservation, Band of Chippewa Indians. I am 36 and married for 10 years to my wife Brigitte who is also an MSU graduate. We adopted our daughter Amya last November. She is 7 years old and attends the same K-12 school that I teach at. I am a 6-12th PE and Health teacher for the last three years at Baraga Area Schools. We currently reside on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation, where we enjoy being involved in our culture and community. I enjoy working out, coaching basketball (junior high and Michigan Tech University) and playing golf in my spare time.
What brought you to the SCLA program?
I will be the FIRST in my family to complete a Master’s Degree. Finding a program that I would be interested in was tough, but after reading through the courses I knew this would be a perfect fit.
What has been your favorite SCLA course so far, and why?
My favorite SCLA course has got to be KIN 846 – Sociocultural Issues for Sport Practitioners. The book and the book discussions in that course really helped align my values. I loved the group discussions and hearing different perspectives of different individuals. This course linked the real world problems/societal norms with coaching.
What have you learned that’s made a difference for you?
I’ve come to realize that while my skills as a coach were solid, this program has truly helped me embrace a more “well-rounded” approach. It has shown me that some techniques and habits from my playing days or early coaching experiences may be best left behind. This program has offered me a fresh perspective on coaching, one that values not only having the right answers but understanding the science and strategy behind each decision. It’s encouraged me to see coaching as a dynamic, evolving discipline that requires continual learning and adaptation.
What are some highlights of your time in the SCLA program?
The highlights of my time in the SCLA program would hands down be the people that I’ve met and worked with. Everyone that I’ve worked with has been so awesome to get to know. It almost felt like a “team” when you are working on different projects throughout the course, which provided a good support system on and off the court.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
For prospective students of the SLCA program, my advice is to stay open-minded and ready to unlearn as much as you learn. This program challenges traditional methods and emphasizes understanding the science and psychology behind coaching. Be prepared to grow in unexpected ways and embrace a holistic approach to leadership that goes beyond having all the answers.
Fun fact about Mariah
I used to be a volunteer firefighter.