Coach. Recruiter. Husband. Father. These are only a few of the roles that assistant men's basketball coach John Rhodes plays every day. Now, he has added yet another to the list: student.
Rhodes, an Ohio University graduate and a former captain for the Ohio basketball team, has headed back to the classroom to pursue his master's degree in coaching education.
In addition to his responsibilities with the team, Rhodes ventures to class twice a week for an hour and a half. This quarter, he is enrolled in psychology of coaching, a course he said he enjoys.
To be able to put into terms all I've learned as a player and a coach is helpful
he said.
Rhodes said he aspires one day to be a head coach. He said he has been gradually chipping away at the requirements for his master's.
Some jobs I would apply for might require a master's Rhodes said.
The 1988 graduate earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors and played eight seasons of professional basketball in Europe. He also served as an assistant coach at the University of North Florida and St. Bonaventure before returning to Athens.
Rhodes explained that what he learns in his class is very job-specific and that the class is very applicable. Because the class is full of graduate students, Rhodes said he doesn't feel out of place.
They might be a little surprised (to see me in class) he said. But after the first day
I'm just like everybody else
trying to get an education.
Physical Education and Sport Sciences Coordinator David Carr said the coaching education program is lucky to have coaches such as Rhodes enrolled.
They bring an actual coaching perspective to the class
Carr said. John has a wonderful way of sharing his experiences.
Rhodes, who came to Athens from his hometown of Milwaukee in 1984 on a basketball scholarship, lives in Athens with his wife and two children. He said he loves coaching and living in Athens.
When you have the opportunity to do what you love to do
it doesn't feel like work
Rhodes said.
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