The coach of the Gators program, who has been in charge since the school’s establishment, achieved his 300th victory in his career. He is the first baseball coach in Howard County to accomplish this feat. In the most recent edition of Varsity Q&A, he spoke about this milestone and his experience as a coach.
“It’s incredible. Even though I’ve been pursuing it, it still hasn’t fully sunk in yet. Howard County has a rich baseball tradition, so I am both excited and thrilled to be the first, and hopefully not the last, head coach here. It’s a momentous occasion, but I must remain focused as we have big games coming up and playoffs starting this week. Back to business as usual. We had a productive practice on Saturday and I’m eager to see how far I can go and how long this journey will take me. Year after year, it’s all about hard work and preparing these players for the next level. That’s our main focus right now. When it’s all said and done, I’ll take a moment to reflect on my accomplishments. My hope is that I’ve had a positive impact on these players and that they can look back on their time at Reservoir High School and have fond memories of playing baseball.”
In the past, my coaching style was different. I would often be loud and enthusiastic, urging my players on with positive reinforcement. However, I have since adopted a more instructive approach. I enjoy teaching the fundamentals of the game and also strategizing and planning for success. It is crucial for me to understand my players and tailor my coaching to fit their strengths. Even without a star player, it is important to have a game plan to score points and ultimately win games. I take the time to connect with my players and pay attention to their progress throughout the season. By fostering a supportive and familial atmosphere, I find that players are more motivated to perform well. I have also learned to stay involved with my players outside of practice, attending their games and showing genuine care for their well-being and success, both on and off the field. Building strong relationships with my players results in better performance and a stronger team dynamic. This is a lesson I have definitely learned and implemented in my coaching.
What significance does it hold for you to be the initial coach in the county to achieve 300 wins in baseball?
“I was touched by the overwhelming support I received from many Howard County and state coaches, as well as former players through Facebook and other means. From my first year of coaching to now, I have received numerous messages and well wishes from parents and players, which is truly amazing. The best part is that this happens every year. On March 1st, I receive texts from former players wishing me a great year as this date marks the start of the season. I make sure to share these messages with my current players during tryouts to motivate them. It’s incredibly meaningful to hear from a player who was on the team in 2010, sharing words of encouragement and wishing them a successful year. These gestures hold a special place in my heart.”
“What are the most significant insights you’ve gained from your experience as a coach?”
On Friday afternoon in Hammond, Coach Adam Leader of the Reservoir baseball team achieved a significant achievement for the county.
How did you feel right after achieving your 300th win?
At what point do you believe you have effectively learned the importance of fostering relationships?
“I had the opportunity to witness the final out with my coaches, including Coach Dunn who has been with the program for 17 years and was my junior varsity coach. It was also special because three of my former players, Danny O’Hagan, Bradley Davidson, and Cameron Hyder, are now coaching with me. My family, including my mom, wife, and daughter, were also there. It was a great experience to have my past and present players, as well as their families, all together. After the game, I received numerous texts from former players who had heard about the win. It was a nostalgic moment, reflecting on my first win in my first year coaching at Oakland Mills. I even have a picture in my office to commemorate that special moment and now I can add Friday’s win to my collection of amazing memories.”
Did anyone contact you in a way that was particularly impactful?
The content has been edited for length and clarity.
What was your initial plan for Reservoir when you became the head?
“I have reached a point where advocating for my players and promoting baseball in Howard County has become a top priority for me. I am now the president of the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches and have taken on the responsibility of advocating for my players to be selected for the preseason All-State team, as well as showcasing the talent of this particular school in Howard County. This sense of advocacy and dedication to my players has truly deepened my love for my job. As I gained more knowledge about the county and state, my passion for the players grew stronger. Dedicating myself to other aspects of baseball, such as the MSABC and serving as a regional director, has elevated my love for the sport even further.”
I have always been a team-oriented person and have always prioritized taking care of my players and teaching them important life lessons beyond just baseball. My goal has always been to make sure they become strong, respectable individuals. I never imagined that I would only be coaching for three or four years. My intention was to create a lasting program and be a consistent presence for my players. I always admired my brother’s experience playing football for a coach who had been at our high school for a long time and genuinely cared for his players. I aspired to do the same. The idea of reaching 300 wins was not something I had in mind. Nor did I ever think I would have the most wins in the county. I never kept track of my wins and was not aware of my standing in relation to other coaches in the area. It was a pleasant surprise when Willie Coughlan informed me last year that I had achieved the most wins. It was a truly special moment to find out.
“My very first victory and the first team I coached was at Oakland Mills. In our first year, our team was junior varsity because we didn’t have enough players for a varsity team. I remember our first game at Glenelg, realizing we had forgotten to bring our helmets. I had to send a parent to retrieve them, and from then on, I made a daily checklist of everything we needed. One of my most memorable players was Tyler Steele, who I coached to All-State recognition and later went on to play for West Virginia. He even texted me last night saying he’ll come to our game on Monday, as it’s close to his house. In terms of baseball achievements, we won consecutive county championships in 2010 and 2011, with one of those seasons being undefeated. Although we ultimately lost in the regional championship, the perfect regular season was a truly unforgettable experience.”
Besides the 2014 state championship, what are some of your most cherished coaching moments?
