By Ken Hansard
VYPE Sports recently had a chance to interview and get to know a little more about Carthage High School’s Assistant Tennis Coach Makenzie Schultz.
VYPE: Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from originally and where did you go to school?
Coach Schultz: I was born and raised in Carthage. I attended Steadley Elementary, Carthage Junior High, and Carthage High School. I was a four-year tennis player and played on the varsity level from sophomore year to senior year. I still currently live in Carthage with my husband and teach 8th grade English Language Arts at Carthage Junior High School. I attended MSSU after I graduated from high school and earned my bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. I then went on and received my teaching certification in English Language Arts.
VYPE: What is your coaching philosophy?
Coach Schultz: My coaching philosophy is “Stay positive, enjoy this time, and never give up.” I was a very happy-go-lucky high school tennis player who realized that when I enjoyed what I was doing, I was more relaxed and had an easier time keeping my head clear. I am also an advocate for never giving up! If the ball is short or over your head, you give it your all to reach it!
VYPE: Name two or three goals you have for yourself for this year – either coaching or personal.
Coach Schutz: My goal for this year is to help my girls consistently see the positive in themselves. Tennis is as much a mental sport as it is physical. When you are having a hard day, it is really easy to talk down on yourself. I try to remind my girls that deep breaths and positive self-talk go a long way, especially in hard matches. I hope by the end of this year my girls will be confident in their playing and confident within themselves.
VYPE: I know coaches don’t have a lot of “free time,” but when you get it, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Coach Schultz: Most recently I have been playing Pickleball with my husband (Grant), sister (Mariah), and her best friend (Darcy). Throughout the summer we spent many nights just hanging out and playing pickleball. I also really enjoy building Legos with my husband and going to the movies. I am a huge movie person and love going to watch all the new releases.
VYPE: What is your favorite memory in coaching?
Coach Schultz: I haven’t spent a lot of time coaching yet, but so far, my favorite memory is going to the Thomas Jefferson Invitational tournament and having my number 1 doubles (Kailie Layman & Maddie Goetzinger) win 5th place. It sounds silly to celebrate 5th place; however, we didn’t realize they would be receiving a medal. Coach Capps-Whitley and I watched the girls light up in excitement when they learned that they would also be receiving a medal. I soon found out it was their first medal ever. Moments like that, seeing the joy on their faces – knowing they earned that medal…those are the moments you look forward to!
VYPE: What inspired you to get into teaching / coaching?
Coach Schultz: Funny story, I always said that I would never become a teacher. I really didn’t see that in my future, but then I started subbing, and I fell in love with the Junior High age group. They are ornery and goofy but so eager to learn. Spending my days with 12- to 14-year-olds was not something I thought I would come to love, but I would not want it any other way! Now with coaching, I thought it would always be fun… However, I helped teach my younger sister how to play tennis. Let’s just say those “practices” weren’t always butterflies and roses. I look back now and realize that it was probably because we were sisters and knew the best ways to get under each other’s skins. However, my sister (Mariah Copeland) turned into quite a tennis player. She even ended up going to State two years in a row. I figured, I helped her with the basics in the beginning and she flourished. Maybe it is time to try my hand at actual coaching. So far, I LOVE IT! I also had so much support from my parents and my husband. They truly inspire and believe in me and have taught me to be the best human I can be. I hope in return, I can pass that on to my tennis girls.
VYPE: What is your favorite sports movie, and why?
Coach Schultz: That is a tough one…I think I would have to choose The Sandlot. I remember watching it many times growing up and wondering what I would have done if my prized baseball had gone over the fence to a mean dog. Would I have chosen the same contraptions the boys in the movie did? Would I try something better? The possibilities were endless in my little mind. I also enjoyed the theme of friendship and never giving up trying to get that ball back. I also just love a good baseball movie. Plus, “You’re killin’ me smalls” is one of my favorite movie quotes of all time.
