Meet the Coaches: Coach Parks

Coach Parks is our ray of sunshine at EDT. Always happy, positive, and full of energy, she has a way of making every practice better simply by being there. She approaches every interaction with kindness and love and has a special gift for making every athlete feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

Aside from Coach Tate and Coach Andie, Coach Parks is EDT’s longest-tenured coach. That experience shows in both her knowledge of running and racing and her ability to connect with young athletes, challenge them, and help foster excellence.

Don’t let the smile fool you, though. Coach Parks is competitive! She wants athletes to work hard, believe in themselves, and discover that they are capable of doing difficult things, both in running and in life.

Anyone who has spent time around Coach Parks knows how much passion she brings to EDT and how deeply she cares about our athletes. She pours herself into the people around her, and our program is better because of it.

Throughout our Meet the Coaches series, we asked each EDT coach the same questions. Some are about coaching and running, some are a little more personal, and some are just for fun. Here’s your chance to get to know Coach Parks a little better!

1. What’s your “why” for coaching? What keeps you coming back season after season?

I love being able to teach littles how to work hard and then watch them achieve their goals. I also just love everything about EDT. The kids, parents, and other coaches go unmatched. It’s my favorite kind of vibe, and I’m here for it!

2. What’s one thing you hope every athlete learns from you that has absolutely nothing to do with running?

That they can do hard things in every aspect of life, not just running.

3. Finish this sentence: A great coach is someone who ________.

Sees YOU.

4. What’s your favorite part of coaching that parents or athletes probably don’t realize you love?

One of my favorite moments during a race is turning around and watching a parent or guardian cheer on their kiddo. The pure joy and encouragement in that moment gets me every time.

5. If you could give every young runner one piece of advice and make sure they actually listened, what would it be?

You can do hard things.

6. You get the aux cord at practice. What song are you playing to get the team fired up?

“Everybody” by Backstreet Boys or “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston.

7. What’s one random thing about you that would probably surprise the EDT kids?

You may not know it, but I’m actually REALLY competitive.

8. Rapid fire!

Early-morning run or evening run? Evening run.Track or XC? XC.Hills or intervals? Intervals.Hot or cold? COLD.Race day or practice day? Practice day.

9. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard an athlete say during practice or a race?

“Sometimes I wish I could be a worm.”

And...

“Coach Parks, a bug flew in my mouth. I just ate it though.”

10. If you weren’t coaching, what would you probably be doing with all those extra hours?

I’d still be running and probably read a bit more.

11. What’s one coaching hill you’re willing to die on, no matter what anyone else says?

Looking to the side during a race, ESPECIALLY during the last 100 meters. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

12. What’s your perfect post-race meal after a long day of coaching and running all over a cross-country course?

Chipotle!

13. What’s your most embarrassing running or coaching moment that you’re willing to admit publicly?

Praying on a run that I would find a port-a-potty within the next mile. LOL.

14. What’s a coaching moment you know you’ll remember for the rest of your life?

Walking the course at Nationals last year.

15. What do you hope your athletes remember about you years from now?

I hope they remember how much I care for them and how proud I am of each of them.

16. What’s a moment with an athlete that reminded you exactly why you chose to coach?

When an athlete mentioned to a parent that they felt like I understood them.

17. When your coaching days are eventually over, what do you hope you left behind in the athletes you worked with?

I hope they know their value and that they feel the love and support I poured over them.