Day 5 of the Clapocalypse is upon us, and Cheyenne Central Coach Whitney Brooks is here to share wisdom and inspiration on the One Clap Speech and Debate Podcast! In her first Camp One Clap appearance (although not her first time on the podcast!), Whitney discusses the transition from competitor to coach, the strong support of the larger Speech and Debate community, and the coaching joy of seeing a student find success (and joy) in the activity.
Hi there, Campers! We are in luck today! Cheyenne Central Assistant Coach Whitney Brooks is here in the midst of the Clapocalypse!
We are excited to welcome Whitney Brooks, an assistant coach at Cheyenne Central High School, to Camp One Clap. Whitney’s journey is an inspiring tale of passion, resilience, and adaptability. Whitney's entry into the world of speech and debate was almost serendipitous. Initially involved in theater, she was drawn into the speech and debate team by her theater director. What began as a suggestion turned into a passion that saw her achieving remarkable success. Whitney shares her experiences of earning state championship victories and perfecting her Just Dance routine, highlighting the dedication and hard work required to excel in this field. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of speech and debate, showcasing how it can shape individuals into confident and articulate leaders.
Whitney's coaching journey is filled with both triumphs and challenges. Transitioning from a state champion to a coach was not without its difficulties. She candidly discusses the emotional rollercoaster of coaching, the highs of witnessing her students' successes, and the challenges of seeking validation from within rather than external accolades. Whitney's coaching philosophy, rooted in prioritizing student needs and adhering to core values, is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring coaches. She emphasizes the importance of listening to students and aligning actions with core values, demonstrating how effective coaching can lead to personal and professional growth.
One of the most poignant moments in the episode is Whitney's reflection on the supportive speech and debate community. She shares touching stories about the resilience and adaptability of the community. The collective understanding and encouragement from fellow coaches and team members highlight the empathy and care that permeates this community. Whitney's experiences underscore the importance of personal rituals and maintaining composure amidst uncertainty, providing valuable lessons for listeners.
Thank you to Whitney for sharing her coaching experience and inspirational advice!
Whitney Brooks Camp Bio:
Whitney (she/her) is excited to join Camp One Clap for the first time this year! In her three years competing on the Wyoming Speech & Debate circuit, she became a bit of a femininomenon, racking up accomplishments including earning her quad ruby, three qualifications to Nationals, two individual State Championships, breaks at multiple national-level tournaments, and - the greatest achievement of all - perfecting the Just Dance routine for Rasputin! She has now coached for the past two years at Cheyenne Central, earning her first Coaching Excellence award and coaching many national qualifiers, state champions, and all-around awesome people along the way. Whitney is a zealous fan of Diet Coke, crusty little rat dogs, the mountains, and all things Chappell Roan. Although she possesses very few practical skills to avoid an apocalypse, she sure has a lot of heart!
Feel free to follow along as she navigates the world at: https://genuineknockoff.substack.com/
In addition to the podcast content for Camp One Clap, One Clap Speech & Debate is also launching social media challenges to engage the community. These challenges are designed to help participants connect, learn, and grow within the speech and debate community... plus, they are fun! Tag the podcast's social media accounts or use the hashtag #CampOneClap24 to claim some spooky Clapocalypse stickers and other swag.
I'll be posting my completed Social Media Challenge posts on the One Clap Speech and Debate accounts too!
If you’d like to join the discussion here at One Clap Speech and Debate, shoot me an email at lylewiley@gmail.com or reach out here on the website. You could also contact me on social media:
Facebook: @oneclappodcast
Instagram: @one_clap_podcast
TikTok: @oneclapspeechanddebate
Your voice matters!
Get your cool One Clap Speech and Debate merchandise here (now featuring hats!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/one-clap-speech-and-debate/
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