DEI Spotlight: Marlon Stewart is staying loyal to the process

Marlon Stewart is an Assistant Coach at Oregon State and a legacy member of Rising Coaches. 

 

1. Why did you get into coaching?

 

As a manager at Washington State, the coaches and program had such a positive impact on my development as a man, it really ignited my passion to get into coaching.

 

2. How many years have you been coaching?

 

I have been in college basketball for 17 years as a coach/support staff member.

 

3. Who has been your biggest influence in coaching and why?

 

I don't tell him enough, but Ron Sanchez. I have been fortunate to have so many great influences on every staff I have been on, but Ron was an incredible example of a husband, father and coach at a time in my life when I was such a sponge that he shaped a lot of who I am today. He pushed me to accomplish things I didn't know I was capable of & he had a way of motivating me to take pride in everything I did, from wiping players sweat up off the floor & taking the bags off the bus to assisting in recruiting and coordinating video. The human qualities and intangibles he was able to instill in me have brought so much good into my life, both in basketball and my personal life.

 

4. What do you enjoy most about coaching and why?

 

The process. When a collective group completely buys into concepts and ideas, sustains the buy in through the toughest & bleakest of times and comes out of the other side together it provides a feeling you can't put into words. That isn't just for wins & losses, that goes for every aspect of a program and the people's lives in the program.

 

5. What has been one of the greatest lessons you have learned about life through coaching? Please explain. 

 

That toughness is doing what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed to do it. We all have feelings, empathy for others, and understand people's circumstances, but the scoreboard doesn't. In life we may be sick, have a lot on our plates or be going through rough times, but we have roles in both our work and personal lives where people are relying on us to do what we are supposed to do, when we are supposed to do it.

 

6. What is your ultimate goal in coaching?

 

To continue to improve at it everyday.

 

7. What has been your greatest lesson as a coach during the pandemic?

 

I am capable of more. There are more ways to serve the student-athletes, our program and our department. It provided a pause that brought great clarity to that.

 

8. What has been one of the toughest lessons you have learned through coaching. Please explain. 

 

That teaching isn't an immediate results type of thing, everyone learns differently and you need to continue to reinforce what you've taught. This seems like common sense, but it was a difficult concept to truly grasp & is so important.

 

9. As a minority coach, what do you feel has been the biggest challenge for minority coaches in the profession?

 

The lack of minorities in leadership positions, it can make things feel like an uphill battle for us at times.

 

10. Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.

 

I do not know how to ride a bike.