Coaching is more than leading teams to victory.  

It is that concept that has led softball coach, Travis Terlesky through every season for the last 13 years. He believes that sport — especially team sport — plays an integral role in who youth athletes become later in life.

Speaking from personal experience, Terlesky recalls how his involvement in team sport has contributed to how he carries himself in his professional life. For him, looking at life through the lens of a member contributing to a team is valuable and something worth passing forward to future generations. It’s an ideal that he has brought into his role as a coach.

“I think coaches have a huge impact on future generations. I still remember the coaches from my childhood who had a positive impact on me, and I hope to have that impact and be that coach when athletes branch out [beyond sport].”

Working to be that influence has carried him through his years at the helm.

According to Terlesky, the key factor that contributes to leaving a positive impact is prioritizing fun and knowing when to focus.

“When it’s time to buckle down, my attitude and demeaner changes a little bit, but athletes still know where my base is and that is to have fun.”

That ability was put into action in 2023 when Terlesky was involved with athlete preparation ahead of the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) that took place in Halifax. Rather than guiding a team through competition, Terlesky chose to remain in Saskatchewan and build athletes’ confidence ahead of NAIG at training camps.

His philosophy to centralize enjoyment within sport, was an essential perspective to pass along ahead of the major event.

“My sincere goal in coaching is to see an athlete 10-15 years down the road, later in life, and they remember how fun of a coach I was. That is my goal of coaching. I don’t care about the wins or losses, because ultimately sure that would be great, but it’s not a necessity for me.”