“My job isn’t to get the most out of an athlete. It’s to help them understand themselves so they can get the most out of themselves — in sport and in life.”
Every Tuesday, Te Awamutu College’s 1st XV rugby team opens their journals and writes.
For coach Carl Sheridan, it’s more than an exercise, it’s a way to help young men reflect on who they are and where they’re headed.
“My philosophy is to ensure a child leaves stronger in themselves, knowing who they are and feeling confident to make decisions that align with them, not just what the world expects,” says Carl.
His approach to coaching is deeply personal. Carl is open about his own struggles with bulimia and depression, and how therapy and learning about human psychology shaped his motivation.
“I didn’t want any young person ever to suffer like I did,” he says.
Carl’s coaching journey began when his son Samuel wanted to play Rippa rugby. What started as wrangling four-year-olds grew into a passion for guiding young athletes through life’s challenges.
“Love of people, love of sport, and this intrinsic motivation for others not to suffer —that’s why I coach,” he says.
For Carl, rugby is the vehicle, but the destination is self-awareness.
“My job isn’t to get the most out of an athlete. It’s to help them understand themselves so they can get the most out of themselves — in sport and in life.”
The impact is clear. One player who planned to leave school after Year 11 is now a starting halfback and team leader. Another gave up drinking, focused on sport, and earned a spot on a sevens team heading to Scotland.
“You launch these young men into adventure, that’s pretty special,” Carl says.
His message to other coaches?
“Run 100 miles in someone’s shoes before you make assumptions. Sport plays second fiddle to the human stuff. Build trust first, then the rest follows.”
