Coaching on the National Stage: Reflections from the USAW North American Open Finals

Last week, I packed my bags and flew across the country to Phoenix, Arizona, for the USA Weightlifting North American Open Finals. This wasn’t just another trip for me—it was my first time coaching an athlete at this level of competition, and only my second meet, small OR large, as a coach. My athlete, Gavin, had worked tirelessly to earn his place among the best in the country, and being there to guide him through this experience was both an honor and a challenge.

Stepping Onto the Big Stage

Walking into the competition venue, the energy was electric. You could feel the weight of the work, sacrifice, and dedication radiating from the athletes, coaches, and supporters. Gavin and I had prepared meticulously for this moment—weeks of fine-tuning his lifts, choreographing warm-ups, and building mental resilience had led us here. Still, there’s nothing quite like the buzz of a national-level platform. The stakes feel higher, the weights heavier, and the moments more fleeting.

Coaching Under Pressure

Coaching at this level is a mix of strategy, psychology, and adaptability. It’s about ensuring your athlete is physically ready, while also keeping them mentally sharp and calm in an environment that can be overwhelming. Every cue matters, every decision is magnified, and every second counts. During Gavin’s warm-ups and attempts, I was hyper-focused (which….if you know me even a little you know is NOT my natural state haha,) running through scenarios and making adjustments on the fly.

And Gavin delivered. He lifted with precision and determination, placing 7th in the country. It was an incredible moment of pride—not just because of his performance, but because of the journey we had taken together to get there.

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me as much about myself as it did about coaching. I learned how to handle the unique pressures of a national meet, how to trust the preparation we had put in, and how to adapt when the unexpected inevitably arises. Coaching at this level pushes you to be better—not just for your athlete, but for every lifter you work with in the future.

I also realized how much of this process is about relationships. Coaching isn’t just about technique or programming; it’s about building trust, providing support, and being someone your athlete can rely on when the pressure is at its peak.

Looking Ahead

As I prepare to fly back home, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come as a coach and how far Gavin has come as an athlete. This experience has reignited my passion for the sport and my commitment to helping others achieve their potential. I’m already looking forward to what’s next—for Gavin, for my other athletes, and for myself as a coach.

Coaching at the North American Open Finals was an unforgettable experience. It was humbling, inspiring, and, above all, a reminder of why I do what I do. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: the work you put in behind the scenes is what allows you to shine on the big stage. And when you finally get there, it’s worth every single moment.

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