By Megan Hecox
Mansfield Coach, Erica McKay, is in her first year of coaching but that doesn’t mean that she is new to the coaching world. Erica McKay is the daughter of Mansfield Baseball Coach, Bryan McKay. While at times it was difficult growing up with a dad that’s a coach, Erica loved every minute of it, even inspiring her to follow the same coaching path. Coach McKay grew up playing softball, basketball, and volleyball, most nights and every weekend. She even spent a few years volunteering with volleyball at Girls Inc. in Fort Smith.
There are many aspects of coaching that Erica loves. “I love teaching the game and sharing my passion for the sport. While coaching, you build relationships with your athletes and get to know them better,” says Coach McKay “My favorite part about coaching is being a role model and somebody that they can come to for anything. Coaches have the chance to impact student-athletes in more than just the sport and that’s the best part.” Working at the same school as her dad is the best experience and something that Coach McKay will cherish forever. “We are constantly talking about what I could do during practice to better my girls or what I should have done during the game,” says Coach Erica McKay. “He gives constant advice. I am taking it all in and hope to be the coach that he is one day.”
