South Carolina State University Associate Head Coach Murray Garvin doesnt see himself as just a coach in the game of basketball, but as a motivator making a difference in the game of life.

Garvin, a 14-year coaching veteran, is in his second season with the Bulldog mens basketball program and is passionate about not only coaching but improving the people around him. He recently had the chance to share some of his life experiences and the importance of making an impact to a group of local teachers and administrators at Mellichamp Elementary School.

I just wanted to share with them my experiences in the game of life on and off the court about what we are giving to our youth these days, he said. Every day when I went to school growing up there was someone that made an impact on my life.

Garvin, a native of Pikeville, Kentucky, was raised in a single-parent home without his father, but despite adversity he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree from Eastern Kentucky and is now doing the one thing he loves in lifecoaching and mentoring young men.

There was always a role model in my life growing up, whether it was a teacher, pastor, or coach it was someone there to guide me in the right direction, Garvin said. I learned how to be a man from them, stated Garvin. It was important to model their behavior because I wanted to be just like them. So I ask you as young educators what are you putting into your students?

Before arriving at South Carolina State University he had the chance to participate in the NCAA-Black Coaches and Administrators Achieving Coaching Excellence (ACE) Program. Garvin was one of 12 Mens basketball coaches selected nationwide to participate in a four-day event in Indianapolis, IN. Participants received training and education in the areas of leadership, communication, campus relations, media, community involvement and program management.

Its critical that they (male teachers) know that these young boys are modeling everything they do, down to the way they walk, talk and dress. Coaching is not a job its my passion and every day you step in that classroom you should be pouring something in those kids that they will take with them for the rest of their life.

He went on to say, I leave you with this, you should know you are teaching the next Barack Obama, Steve Jobs and Michael Jordan. These kids can be whatever they want in life but it starts with you, the teacher.

Original post:
Garvin Speaks to Teachers on the Importance of Making an Impact