WYOMING – The Wyoming Coaches Association announced they will be inducting Glendo’s Jennifer Eller into the Wyoming Coaches Hall of Fame on July 25 in Casper.
When coach Eller was asked how she feels about this recognition, she stated, “I am deeply honored to have even been considered let alone chosen for this award. To be in a class of individuals who have received this award previously is hard to wrap my head around. I have done nothing extraordinary, just loved coaching.”
“I believe first and foremost, a coach must be a teacher – not like a certified teacher, but they must be able to teach skills. Anyone can be a coach, but it takes someone with certain attributes and a passion for what they do to make a difference in kids. I guess that would be my philosophy: the team and coach must be on the same page…. honesty and trust are a must. Kids need to know what is expected and need to know that the coach wants what is best for all. Lines of communication must stay open, and the athletes need to feel comfortable approaching the coaching staff if issues arise,” coach Eller said in a recent interview about the core values she believes are essential for a successful team and coach.
Some of the most important lessons she’s learned from her time as a coach were: “Number-one is that you can never stop learning. So many coaches get in a rut and do the same thing year after year. You must be adaptable and change things up depending on the makeup of the team.  Read, watch games and ask questions. Go to clinics and learn all you can. Number-two is to not be too critical of yourself or take a loss too personally. If you have prepared your athletes and they are performing to the best of their abilities and they are showing growth, you are a winner.”

How can there be a balance between the need to win with the importance of player development and growth?
“Well, I have had my share of losing seasons and I’m still here. I like to win – everyone likes to win. [However,] the numbers on the scoreboard is something I don’t take too personally. Coaches know if their athletes are giving their all and if they are working in practice to their full potential. If I see growth from the first contest to the last contest, I have been successful. Another aspect is if they are having fun. Kids like to enjoy what they are doing and sometimes the smile on their face is all the reward you need,” commented coach Eller.
Looking back on her career, coach Eller said she proud of the relations she has built.
“I am most proud of the relationships I have had with my students, parents, fans, other coaches and officials. I am so fortunate to have coached my own daughters and to have one of them follow in my footsteps. They are probably my biggest fans! The coaching community is huge and I’m so glad I am part of it. Some of my forever friends I met through coaching,” coach Eller said.
As far as her legacy as a coach, coach Eller recapped her experiences.
“Hopefully my legacy will be that I never stopped loving what I do and that I’m just as passionate about it now as I was 40 years ago. I hope my athletes remember me as a kind, compassionate and fair coach who respected them and was there for them. I also want people to know that it never has been about me, it’s always been about kids.”
Coach Eller also encourages young people who are passionate about sports and considering coaching. “Grab the bull by the horns and do it! Coaching can be the most rewarding job or the most heartbreaking job in the world. Either way, it is challenging and frustrating and time consuming and fulfilling and satisfying and sometimes hard. I never imagined my first coaching job in 1984 would turn into a career that would lead me to a Hall of Fame award,” coach Eller replied.