Along with teaching every day, many teachers at BSM opt to coach or lead extra-curricular activities. With all athletics and activities happening after school, working an eight-hour school day then going to coach can be exhausting. When asked why teachers choose to do both, the common theme was because they love coaching and connecting with the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community.
BSM English Teacher, Callianne Olson, stated that soccer has always been a huge part of her life. Olson played collegiate soccer at St. Olaf, and since retired she enjoys being involved in the girls soccer program and coaching the next generation of soccer players at BSM. A day in Olson’s life includes not a lot of time at home. “Yes, it is [difficult to balance both]. I basically get up, come to work, go straight to soccer practice [and get] home about 5:30 or 6. If it’s a game day, I’m home anywhere between 6:30 or 9:30,” Olson said.
I want to give athletes and students what I wish I would have had as a student or athlete
— Larry Grace
Another BSM Staff member who manages to balance both coaching and teaching is Larry Grace. Grace is a BSM substitute teacher, and the owner of Optimal Goalie Hockey Training. Although Optimal Goalie is not associated with BSM, it still takes up significant time out of his day to own a business. His day begins at 4:45 A.M. and ends at about 9 P.M. Grace looks for balance in his life, setting apart personal time in his day to get his own workouts in. Grace looks to make a difference with the kids he coaches because he wants them to have the best experience possible. “I want to give athletes and students what I wish I would have had as a student or athlete,” Grace said.
A well-known and beloved member of BSM, Ken Pauly, coaches the Varsity Boys’ Hockey program. Pauly has been teaching at BSM for 25 years and has been coaching since 1987. The high school hockey season runs from November to March, being the longest season in high school sports. With such a long season, it can be overwhelming balancing coaching and teaching for five months straight. Pauly has his days planned down to the minute with having such a busy schedule. “Yes, it is [difficult to balance both] I mean, I’ve been doing it long enough that it’s not [as difficult],” Pauly said.