As a former varsity volleyball player, Steve has an appreciation for the importance of an active lifestyle. In his 21 years at College of the Rockies, he has been passionate about sharing the knowledge and experiences he has gained throughout his life as an athlete, coach, and instructor.
With Bachelor of Physical Education and Master of Kinesiology degrees, Steve teaches in both the Kinesiology and Recreation Management programs. For 16 years he coached the men’s Avalanche volleyball team, and currently acts as a mental performance consultant in the Kootenay region, working with a number of individual athletes and teams.
In his years of teaching, Steve has found great enjoyment in sharing stories with his students and helping them to apply concepts they’re learning to real-life scenarios. As a former coach, he has also learned the best way to approach teaching in the classroom.
“I have learned that students prefer a relaxed and casual learning environment,” he says. “With the small classes we have at the College, I think it is easier for us to achieve.”
When not in the classroom or working with athletes, Steve enjoys coaching his own children, as well as golfing, mountain biking and camping. Though reluctant to share his specific skill, Steve also gained his 15 minutes of fame by appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1999, showcasing his “stupid human tricks”.
His advice to students looking to start their post-secondary education: “Choose an academic program that you are passionate about and then choose assignments that are tailored to your future goals.”