DEI Alliance Spotlight: Joe White

Joe White, a member of the Latino Basketball Coaches Association, is the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Idaho State University.

 

1.Why did you get into coaching?

I got into coaching because it gave me the opportunity to give back. It put me in a position to mentor, influence, and inspire young men to become the best they can be in all facets of life. Aside from my parents, my coaches have had the biggest impact on my life.

 

2. How many years have you been coaching?

7

 

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

Mike Nicksic. He was my high school coach from grades 9-11. He taught me so much about basketball that I still keep with me and use today, but he also loved me like his own and was hard on me because he wanted to help me get the most out of myself.

 

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

I enjoy getting to connect with and influence our players and help them maximize their potential in all areas of life. Getting to see their happiness when they accomplish something they initially didn't think they could is the best!

 

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

The coaching profession has continued to demonstrate to me that hard work pays off and that goals and dreams can be accomplished through hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.

 

6. What is your ultimate goal in coaching?

To inspire, help, and motivate as many young men as possible.

 

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

We can only help those who want to be helped. If the receiver of the message isn't receptive and willing to make changes, the help isn't useful.

 

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

Lack of opportunities.

 

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

I'm Mexican-American. My mother is from Mexico. I'm a first-generation college graduate.