Get to Know New Gymnastics Assistant Coach Philip Ogletree
8/6/2017 11:48:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Selflessness, Team Unity to be Emphasized by Ogletree
RALEIGH – When NC State Gymnastics coach Kim Landrus decided to add Philip Ogletree to her coaching staff, one of the driving forces behind the decision was their shared core values and idea of what a student-athlete should be.
Unlike some other sports, there is no professional gymnastics league, thus the need to focus on academics and life after the sport is paramount, a concept Ogeltree embraces.
"Our gymnasts are people, and gymnastics is what they do," explained Ogletree. "Gymnastics should build their confidence and self-esteem. It should prepare them for their careers and lives after college. Coaches play a big role in setting an atmosphere whereby the athletes develop the self-confidence and work ethic to succeed post graduation."
He also understands the value in having a balanced lifestyle, despite the high level of commitment required to be both a high-level gymnast as well as a student.
"For student-athletes, balance and time management are vital" he said. "We must help them understand choices, whether good or bad, right or wrong, have either positive or negative consequences. Studying, training, socializing all have their place, and being part of a team with like-minded people provides support and gratification."
That is not to say Ogletree does not value winning, as his track record at Georgia and LSU proves. From 2001-2012, LSU made 10 straight trips to the NCAA Championships and also made it to the Super Six three times. At Georgia, the team made the NCAA Championship every year, and earned a spot in the Super Six in 2013, '14 and '16.
Ogletree considers selflessness and team unity as being as important as talent, after witnessing firsthand the characteristics of the women on the best teams he coached during his previous stops. It is these qualities and traits that he is hoping to emphasize.
In the short amount of time he has spent in Raleigh, he already sees the opportunities available.
"NC State is a place for opportunity," said Ogletree with enthusiasm. "There is a great balance between academics and athletics. I have met alumni who have so much pride and speak so highly of the university and the Raleigh area. I also like the location. We are close to family and geographically close to the ocean and the mountains. All these make NC State ideal for me!"
Stay up to date on the latest NC State Gymnastics:
Twitter: @PackGymnastics
Facebook: NC State Gymnastics
Instagram: @wolfpackgymnastics
Unlike some other sports, there is no professional gymnastics league, thus the need to focus on academics and life after the sport is paramount, a concept Ogeltree embraces.
"Our gymnasts are people, and gymnastics is what they do," explained Ogletree. "Gymnastics should build their confidence and self-esteem. It should prepare them for their careers and lives after college. Coaches play a big role in setting an atmosphere whereby the athletes develop the self-confidence and work ethic to succeed post graduation."
He also understands the value in having a balanced lifestyle, despite the high level of commitment required to be both a high-level gymnast as well as a student.
"For student-athletes, balance and time management are vital" he said. "We must help them understand choices, whether good or bad, right or wrong, have either positive or negative consequences. Studying, training, socializing all have their place, and being part of a team with like-minded people provides support and gratification."
That is not to say Ogletree does not value winning, as his track record at Georgia and LSU proves. From 2001-2012, LSU made 10 straight trips to the NCAA Championships and also made it to the Super Six three times. At Georgia, the team made the NCAA Championship every year, and earned a spot in the Super Six in 2013, '14 and '16.
Ogletree considers selflessness and team unity as being as important as talent, after witnessing firsthand the characteristics of the women on the best teams he coached during his previous stops. It is these qualities and traits that he is hoping to emphasize.
In the short amount of time he has spent in Raleigh, he already sees the opportunities available.
"NC State is a place for opportunity," said Ogletree with enthusiasm. "There is a great balance between academics and athletics. I have met alumni who have so much pride and speak so highly of the university and the Raleigh area. I also like the location. We are close to family and geographically close to the ocean and the mountains. All these make NC State ideal for me!"
Stay up to date on the latest NC State Gymnastics:
Twitter: @PackGymnastics
Facebook: NC State Gymnastics
Instagram: @wolfpackgymnastics
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