The secret sauce behind the unique camp experience? Our Resident Coaches. At Signature Sports Camps, our coaches go above and beyond on and off the field. They not only lead every high-level training session, but they also live on-site with campers, join campers on excursions, and build meaningful connections with campers. So, athletes have the opportunity to build relationships throughout the week. And, our awesome Camp Directors carefully select each coach for their unique experience as a player, mentor, and coach. Their leadership and high energy help create the safe and engaging environment Signature families love.
Our Coaches bring experience from collegiate programs across Divisions I, II, and III, including Lee University, Lehigh University, and Iona University. From championships to international competition, they combine high-level playing experience with a passion for mentoring your young athletes.
Let’s meet these awesome coaches!
What Makes Resident Coaches Different?
From check-in to the final 3v3 tournament, resident coaches are at the center of the Signature Sports Camp experience. More than just instructors, coaches double as counselors, creating an environment where athletes can improve their skills while enjoying the experience and building confidence.
Living on-site with the campers allows our coaches to serve as instructors, mentors, role models, and counselors, creating a safe environment where athletes can grow and be challenged with support.
Their constant involvement with campers leads to genuine relationships. As a result, campers often feel more comfortable asking questions, seeking guidance, and challenging themselves throughout the week. On the field, they offer feedback and critique skills during drills, and off the field, they join activities and help campers navigate new challenges. This way, coaches can constantly create growth opportunities.
How Resident Coaches Help Athletes Grow
Expert Instruction from Experienced Athletes and Coaches
Coaches bring experience from collegiate athletics, coaching staffs, and competitive playing careers across all sport tracks. Athletes receive personalized training during daily sessions, skill development drills, and game-play competition. This way, coaches can tweak practice plans to help campers improve throughout the week. Leaders like Karina Van der Walt, a collegiate head coach, bring elite-level insight and leadership-focused training to every session. Some coaches focus on fundamentals. Others will work on refining more advanced techniques. Either way, Resident Coaches meet campers where they’re at.
Personalized Coaching and Real-Time Feedback
A huge advantage to the Resident Coach model is the ability for constant feedback. Coaches spend the entire week with campers, allowing them to identify strengths and talk through areas of improvement. Also, coaches can track each individual’s progress and make adjustments when needed. Coaches like Jocelyn Smith, a current collegiate athlete, work closely with players to make small adjustments that lead to big improvements. Even a small adjustment during warm-ups can lead to better performance and overall understanding of the game.
Development Beyond the Field
Beyond the on-field sessions, Resident Coaches encourage athletes to step out of their comfort zone by helping them develop resilience, leadership, and accountability skills. Through teamwork and mentorship, campers learn valuable skills that support personal and athletic growth.
Meet Some of Our Resident Coaches
Each Coach brings a unique background to camp with a wide range of collegiate playing and coaching experience. But, most importantly, they all share a passion for helping younger athletes develop their skills and enjoy the game they love.
Jessica Franklin | Field Hockey
Jessica is the Head Field Hockey Coach at Keuka College (NY camp location!). She’s bringing a love for the sport, athlete development and high-level training plans to New York this summer! Coaches like Jessica hone in on technical skills and help develop the qualities necessary to become leaders.
Addison Chapman | Volleyball
Current Division II Beach Volleyball player for Eckerd – Addison brings a competitive mindset and high-level play experience to the Florida courts. She is stoked to work with campers to improve their volleyball skills, create a positive environment and provide an opportunity for each camper to take risks, test limits, and grow.
Gaby Morman | Soccer
Another Eckerd College star, Gaby, will draw on her collegiate soccer experience to teach campers solid fundamental skills, teamwork, and a passion for the sport. Coach Gaby is dedicated to providing campers with an opportunity to build confidence on the soccer field while creating an inclusive environment where every camper feels valued and involved.
Ethan Eller | Lacrosse
College lacrosse player and mentor, Coach Ethan recognizes the lasting impact that excellent coaching can have on a young athlete’s development. Ethan takes pride in training campers to better their lacrosse skills, play with confidence and make the most out of their overnight sports camp experience both on and off the field.
Adrienne Rivera | Flag Football
As a current collegiate flag football athlete at Keiser University, Adrienne brings energy, experience, and a love for the game to camp. She is passionate about helping athletes sharpen their skills, compete with confidence, and create lasting memories throughout the week. Whether she’s leading drills, offering encouragement, or connecting with campers off the field, Adrienne is committed to creating a positive and impactful camp experience.
What Athletes Gain Working with Resident Coaches
Working alongside awesome resident coaches, campers have the opportunity to develop far more than their sport-specific skills. Through 2x/day training, feedback, and supportive mentorship, campers gain tools that help them succeed on and off the field.
Throughout the session, athletes can:
- Refine their technical skills through repetition and coaching critiques.
- Build confidence by stepping outside their comfort zone and embracing new challenges
- Improve their sports IQ by learning strategy, decision-making, and game awareness
- Develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
- Create lasting friendships with like-minded teammates and coaches who share the same passion
By the end of the camp session, many athletes return home stronger players. But, more importantly, they go home more confident, independent, and self-determined.
Experience the Signature Difference This Summer
At Signature Sports Camps, Resident Coaches play a key role in creating the unique environment that blends high-level training with the traditional overnight summer camp experience. Their commitment to your campers goes far beyond the whistle on the field.
Whether your athlete is ready to sharpen their skills, elevate their game, or learn for the first time, our team of resident Coaches is ready to get them checked in and out on the field.
