For Micaela Dickhof, getting into coaching was an easy decision.
“I have had a really inspiring coach who has taught me everything I know about softball,” she explained.
“He was kind of my inspiration to give back to the community.”
She was referring to Jim Ullock, who has coached Dickhof for the past seven years in the Cloverdale Minor Softball Association.
So for the past three or four years, the 17-year-old Dickhof — a Grade 12 student at Langley Christian Secondary — has given back as a coach.
She teaches the aspiring players during off-season clinics in the association’s Learn to Play program.
“I like seeing how they improve,” she explained about the joy of coaching.
“I remember being that young and learning from coaches as well.”
Dickhof also plays basketball and volleyball for her high school.
But Dickhof’s involvement in giving back stretches away from the ball diamond.
The ‘A’ student is enrolled in the Langley Christian Leadership program, serves as a teachers’ assistant, and helps plan the school’s annual Christmas banquet.
She is also involved as a volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley through the Teen in School Mentoring Program.
Dickhof works with a Grade 5 student at Langley Christian’s elementary school, meeting with her once a week.
“It is about developing positive relationships and mentoring in a one-on-one situation,” Dickhof said.
“I like sharing my experiences with her.”
“It is just a chance for me to explore with her and discover and teach her what I know and what I have learned over the years.”
Add it all together, and time is of the essence.
“I do keep busy (but) I enjoy being involved,” she said.
“I am a fairly driven and organized person so I keep a planner and like lining everything up to make sure all my deadlines are met.”
Dickhof said she will be attending UBC next year, while also playing on the women’s softball team, and plans on studying sciences.
She hopes to one day do something in the medical field, possibly involving kids.
