Name
Laurel Callahan
What sport(s) & level(s) do you coach at BVR:
Varsity Cross Country (Boys & Girls)
When did you start coaching at Beaver?
2014
Where are you from?
Decatur, IL (currently live in Billerica)
Where did you attend college?
Undergrad: Hope College (Holland, MI); Graduate studies (MS) Illinois State University
What do you do for work outside of coaching at Beaver?
Vice President of Fields Pond Foundation: Point person assisting municipalities, land trusts, and other environmental organizations applying to FPF for land acquisition and trail development funds.
What is your favorite thing about working at Beaver?
My favorite thing about working at Beaver is the people!
What makes Beaver athletics special?
Beaver athletes are so supportive of one another. It makes for a truly special experience where teams feel like families and the season is much more than just wins and losses.
What do you hope every athlete learns from being on your team?
I hope every athlete learns the science and tactics of the sport in a way that allows them to not only achieve their best level of success while running at Beaver but also plants the seeds to be lifelong runners/movers.
Coaching philosophy in one sentence:
Coaching is a blend of teaching skills and strategy, developing citizenship and leadership,
and cultivating relationships (between athlete and coach, athlete and team, and
athlete and self): all with the goal of taking athletes where they cannot take
themselves.
Favorite part of coaching:
Watching the development and getting to cheer on the improvement of athletes from their first through their final year.
Favorite professional or college team:
Chicago Cubs
One word your players would use to describe you?
Passionate
Favorite athlete growing up:
Stefan Edberg
What are 2 hobbies you have outside of your sport:
Have been enjoying gardening and baking most recently (while rehabbing from ankle surgery), and hoping to get back to tennis!
Favorite bus snack:
Sushi
Favorite TV show:
Gilmore Girls
Favorite or current book:
Currently reading: Chasing Beauty, The Life of Isabella Stewart Gardener
