Darius Lawshea, coach of Miami Gardens Xpress Track Club, one of the top youth programs in the nation recently accepted a job as the new track and field coach at American High School. The Patriots, who do not have a track facility, were the 2014 state runner-up, and have produced nationally ranked relay teams under the guidance of coach Enrico Knowles who left the school for a coaching position at North Miami High School. We caught up with Coach Lawshea to talk about this new position.
How did the opportunity to coach at American High School come about?
The opportunity is amazing. I never saw myself coaching high school at all. I figured I wanted to stay with the youth to set the foundation for the little kids so when they get to high school they can be more then just a one event athlete. I call them "HYBRID" athletes. That means they can do the 100-1500 and help any high school and college program. I've learned from coaching and traveling around the country with one of my athletes that that is what a lot of colleges coaches want. They want an athlete that can do more then just one event.
This would be your first high school coaching gig correct?
This would be my first year ever coaching high school. This is something that just happened. There was an opening and my parents wanted me too apply because they believed in me. I did and now I'm the new head coach.
What is your coaching philosophy?
My philosophy is making all the kids believe that they can be GREAT in mind, body, and soul. We will not use the word good anymore, we will not practice good anymore, we will not use or say "good job" because good doesn't get you any more these days. You have to have a GREAT PRACTICE HABIT in order to be GREAT in anything that you do in Life.
How do you take the principles that have made you so successful at MGX and apply them to the high school level at American?
Easy, don't change whats been working for you. MGX has been breaking records since 2007 and putting Miami Gardens Xpress on the map. The 2013 MGX squad was the 2013 DISNEY AAU ESPN NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPS. So, with that being said we will continue to compete against the best and always train hard. The world has seen what MGX can do against the best that high school has to offer, but now they will see what American has to offer as a complete team. I am ready for the big stage. was born for this and i will continue to learn, stay humble, and be great!
Do you plan on still being involved with MGX?
Yes sir. I will work my full-time job in the morning. Then from 230-5:00 I will coach American, and them 5:30-7:30 I will go help MGX.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I look forward to shocking the world with this new position and taking it too a national level. I'm doing this for all the youth coaches out there dealing with kids from 5-18 years old. When you believe mind, body, and soul anything is possible.
More Coverage
- American High School Team Page
- Miami Gardens XPress Team Page
- Article: Spirited American HS Coach Enrico Knowles Leaving For North Miami HS