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What Dan Magill Taught Me about Coaching

Sunday night, a tennis coaching legend, a man who profoundly influenced my husband’s life, died. Dan Magill, husband, father, athletic director, humorist, historian, and Hall of Famer coach at the University of Georgia, was 93 years old.

My husband lettered at Georgia in 1980-1983, and was a part of the SEC championship team twice. Several years ago, we returned to Athens Georgia, for a “Gala Reunion” celebrating the 90th birthday of “storied” tennis coach, Dan Magill. Over 800 people gathered to hear stories and honor him.

As a gospel coach, someone who walks alongside women seeking to live the gospel more freely and fully in all areas — marriage, parenting, work, relationships, I listened to Magill stories with a new perspective. As we remember him today, I’ll share a few things I learned about the great coach that I apply to my work with people.

1. “Don’t cheat Jawja.” I heard players repeat this line in the inimitable Magill accent all weekend. It means, “Play your best for Georgia, whom you represent.”

My goal is to help clients live their God-given stories in the name of and for the glory of the one who created them.

2. He directed them toward opportunities for growth. My husband grew up in Athens, and not only did Magill encourage him in his early tennis efforts, but in later years, he invited him to hit with top players to help him develop his game. Coach Magill also knew how to motivate his players as they tried to figure out the best strategy for winning a match.

My coaching clients may be trying to grow a business or strengthen a marriage, discern direction or calling, or move through a challenging transition. In all of these stories, we work together to explore possibilities, draw out creativity, and implement plans.

3. He provided a strong presence. “I called Coach Magill.” John Isner, who played for Coach Manuel Diaz on the 2007 National Championship UGA team, spoke at the gala. Isner, now number 15 in the world, was referring to his record-setting 11 hour and 5 minute match win at Wimbledon. He told us, “After that match, Coach Magill was one of the first people I called.” Coach Magill was there for players (even those he didn’t actually coach officially), win or lose. He sat with them on the locker room bench and said after a tough day, “Well, some days are [salty language] days.”

I want to be the kind of coach who sits with, walks with, runs alongside of clients, reminding them of who they are and what they’re about, encouraging them after a loss, celebrating after a win, reminding them in all, it is a process of growth, and God wastes no moment.

My husband, Kip, with Coach Magill in 2006, on the courts where they spent many years.

My husband, Kip, with Coach Magill in 2006, on the courts where they spent many years.

4. Dan Magill coached the individual, not just the game of tennis. He drew out the strengths in each player and called them to play their game.

My goal is to help people reflect deeply on their God-authored story, their unique gifts, passions, strengths, struggles, and redemption (vision) and consider what that means for how they live their lives (mission).

5. Coach Magill called his players to account. He was no softy coach (his players would say that is a huge understatement!). Players were expected to practice hard and play hard, to bring their best in play, sportsmanship, and respect for the game. If they didn’t do what they were asked, they didn’t play.

As a gospel coach, I won’t be a nagging parent, a scolding teacher, or a screaming football coach. I will, however, create a space for clients to be accountable. We are designed to grow in the context of community. That’s why working with someone who is ‘for you’ in every way draws you to make significant changes.

The best words to end this piece are most eloquently voiced by my husband: “So much would be different without his generous influence in my life during my formative years. I have been permanently impacted by Dan. I continue, using the competitive skills taught by my coach, fighting daily for my patients….never quitting, almost always finding answers to challenges. True of life in general. My life has been indelibly marked by my years with Dan. Blessings to you and your extended family. My blessings continue the rest of my life, having known Dan.” You can read more memories here.  

I pray that, by God’s grace, I may walk alongside my clients with the commitment, passion, humor and generosity with which Dan Magill lived. If he were here, he’d probably say, “Glory, glory to old Jawja.” And I would add, “Glory be to God.”

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