Exchange Program – Students as Coaches

RWU athletes gain perspective as instructors at University’s summer athletics camps

At Roger Williams University, giving back to the local community is an institutional value embraced by students from their very first days on campus as participants in Community Connections. Student athletes are no exception, of course. Even in their off-seasons, RWU athletes and coaches take the time to share their skills with members of our neighboring communities through camps and clinics in sports such as lacrosse, soccer, basketball, sailing, swimming and more.

“I think it’s so important to provide camps on our campus,” says Mike Tully, men’s basketball coach at RWU. “They’re a great opportunity to have emerging athletes and parents come to the school and learn more about the sport and teamwork.”

The men’s basketball team has offered a weeklong summer camp for seven years now and has hosted many returning players. Tully said the camp is also beneficial for his own players, helping them see things from the coaches’ perspectives.

Michelle Kellerman, the University’s swimming and diving coach, agrees that coaching can help student– athletes sharpen their own skills. Members of the swimming and diving teams have offered swim lessons for local children since their inaugural season in 2005-06.

“The kids love being taught by our swimmers,” Kellerman says. “And teaching swim lessons absolutely helps our athletes re-evaluate their strokes. They break their strokes down and explain them and learn to see things from a different perspective.”