Making an impact in the our community is an important part of IKM’s mission. IKM’s employees reflect our work by actively being involved in the Pittsburgh community and make a difference in a variety of ways. Coaching today’s youth in high school Lacrosse is one of those ways.
Why Lacrosse?
Mandy Payne is IKM’s Marketing Coordinator and has been playing lacrosse for fifteen years. When she was in high school, her gym teacher approached her and asked if she wanted to play lacrosse. At the time, Mandy had no idea what the sport was and thought that it was something like tennis.
“My teacher said, ‘well, it’s a stick and a ball and, you know, give it a try.’ So I tried it and I fell madly in love with it. It was a great outlet for me growing up and she was such an inspiration and influential person in my life. She kind of stepped in like a parent almost with the advice she had given me, and gave me a direction for college. Not only was she a coach and taught me the game, but she was also a person of influence for me, one of the most influential people I ever met,” Mandy shared.
Mandy’s lacrosse career extended through her high school and college years, and even led her to play semi-pro for awhile. She has now been coaching for four years, for two teams, but her current position is as the Assistant Coach for Norwin High School. She has done much of the offensive coaching, as well as Junior Varsity games. Her position as an assistant coach is entirely voluntary.
What Drives Her?
“I wanted to take everything that my coach taught me, and my passion and love for the game, and I wanted to pass that on. I wanted to pay it forward and be the kind of coach that inspires players. I’m not sure I would have gone to college or survived without her direction and influence. I want to be that kind of person for students that need direction, and be that kind of coach for future players that might cross my path,” she explained.
It’s clear that there is a deep love and respect for the game, as well as a desire to be a confidant and mentor for the players that are on her team.
“I know my first year of coaching I wanted to be the tough coach, and through that process I learned a lot about myself and how to reach players by just being who I am and being that influence. I didn’t have to be the tough coach, I just had to be the coach that each player needs. You have to individualize yourself sometimes as a coach. For me, I just feel like I have this opportunity to be a leader and to learn so much in the process,” Mandy said.
Coaching means something personal and is a way to give back to the community and impact each students’ lives in a special, and individual way. Coaches help shape student athletes in many ways and it is important to make sure that the experience is positive for both the students and coaches. Giving back is easy when it is something that you love doing, and holds a special place in your heart.
She continued, “I remembered what teenagers go through. I’ve learned how to help a young girl through a breakup, or how to help a young girl who’s struggling in school, or how to help somebody who may have questions that they aren’t comfortable asking anyone else. They might have something going on and I can be that person that is their support, their help, and their outlet. So for me, that’s the most rewarding thing that I get to do.”
IKM and Coaching
Not only does coaching allow Mandy to give back to her community, but it also has a positive effect for her work life and aides in her endeavors.
“For me it’s actually really cool because I’m in K-12 and K-12 is one of the six sectors that we serve. So I hear things, whether there’s a renovation somewhere, maybe a school’s looking to build…but I think a big part of it is just being a well-rounded person because if I’m a good employee and a good coach and I’m learning different things; I’m learning about life and learning about myself, my temperament, my personality, things that work for me, things that don’t, and that translates into what I do every day. I get to give back to my community and be a contributing person in society,” Mandy stated.
IKM also sponsored one of the lacrosse tournaments and the students were able to advertise on the back of t-shirts, as well as the sponsorship sign. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship to show that not only do the employees care about giving back, but the company as a whole does as well and wants to make a meaningful impact on the lives of younger generations.
For the Readers, Why You Should Consider Giving Back!
Giving back doesn’t have to be complicated or take up large portions of your time. It is a rewarding experience in itself that is good for the individual and the community. Whether giving back is volunteering your time or donating to those in need, you are making a difference.
If you are interested in making a difference and are interested in volunteering opportunities within the Pittsburgh community, go to Pittsburgh Cares to look at local opportunities.