Guilford Youth Coach Wins National Award

GUILFORD, CT - Scott Markovich, who coaches for the Guilford Basketball League has won Positive Coaching Alliance’s coveted Double-Goal Coach Award presented by TeamSnap for his positive impact on youth athletes.

Markovich is one of 50 national recipients of the Double-Goal Coach award, named for coaches who strive to win while also pursuing the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports.

Markovich was selected from more than 2,400 nominations nationwide for his positive impact on youth and pursuing winning and the even more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports.

Parent Bernadette LaFrance submitted Markovich for consideration.

The award includes a $200 prize, a certificate, and mention within the websites and newsletters of Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a national non-profit developing Better Athletes, Better People through youth and high school sports.

“Scott helps his players win on and off the court,” said Beth O’Neill Maloney, Executive Director of PCA-New England, the local Chapter of Positive Coaching Alliance, according to a prepared statement. “By creating a positive, character-building youth sports experience and serving as a Double-Goal Coach, Scott helps youth develop into better athletes and better people.”

Markovich, father of an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old, started coaching five years ago and quickly realized that coaches “really have an opportunity to leave an impression,” he said in the statement. “I remember the impact my coaches had on me 30 years ago – some really good, and some not so good – so I take this role very seriously.”

That has helped shape a philosophy he imparts to his players at every practice.

“First, I tell them that more important than anything is to be a good person,” Markovich said. “Second, I tell them when we play this game we’re going to play it the right way. We’re going to play fair, we’re going to play hard, and we’re always going to give our best no matter what. Our attitude is 90 percent of the effort. Finally, I stress teamwork…we’re all in this together.”

Markovich’s approach illustrates the role coaches can play in the development of youth, O’Neill Maloney said.

“Our Chapter’s employees, board and supporters are thrilled that Coach Markovich is getting national recognition for his work with the Guilford Basketball League. Having Scott as an award-winning Double-Goal Coach in our community provides an example for other coaches to emulate, so thousands more youth and high school athletes in our area can benefit from a positive, character-building sports experience.”

Markovich will be presented the award by O’Neill Maloney at a ceremony in Guilford on April 4, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at Guilford High School.