Darwin Shaw has been a school teacher and coach at New Britain High School for the past 30 years. He teaches physical education and coaches boys’ Junior Varsity Basketball and is the head coach of the girls Outdoor Track and Field team. In addition, Darwin has just published his first book, Becoming Coach Shaw: How I Learned to Run My Own Race, and is a sought after dynamic speaker who has earned a myriad of community awards.
- Coach Shaw, did you always know that you wanted to serve others and help today’s youth?
I didn’t realize that until I finished college. Once I finished college I wanted to help the youth in my neighborhood get out the neighborhood so they could learn that there is a lot of good things to see throughout the country.
- Can you walk us through how you first got started in your career path?
When I was a freshman my college advisor told me that becoming a teacher and coach would be a great profession for me to get into. I trusted that he was giving me the best advice at the time and I continued on that path. It’s 30 years later now, and when I look back, I can say that it was the best decision that I made in my life.
- How did you handle the bumps in the road? Were there any moments when you wondered if all your hard work was worth it?
Throughout my life I have experienced many ups and downs. But I always had faith that God would direct and keep me focused to reach may destiny. I knew that I was always prepared to do what I am doing now if given a chance and opportunity.
- I’m wondering if you can help us understand what you attribute your success to.
I attribute my success to having the drive inside of me to never give up. No matter what the challenge is.
- What do teens need today more than anything else?
Teens today need to realize that whatever it is that they want to achieve is possible as long as they have that drive in them to reach their goal. Also they
need to understand that in order to become successful you need to fail first because nothing in this world comes easy without hard work.
- What would you tell a teen who was struggling?
Surround yourself with people that are positive and not negative. As I got older I realized that being around successful people would help me become successful. I would share my own story with them, so that they could see all of the obstacles that I had to overcome to be who I am today. God has always been the most important person in my life. I am successful because I believe in him.
- Coach Shaw, what else do you want to tell us about what you do and what you want to eventually be doing?
I love being a teacher/coach. It has given me a chance to stay connected to today’s youth.
- Can you please share with all of us something else that I should have asked you?
Maybe… how hard was it to go to college so far away from home. The hardest part was not knowing any one.
- How can people get in touch with you if they have additional questions?
Send me an email to, becomingcoachshaw@gmail.com
Thanks for your time Coach Shaw and keep up the good work! Our youth needs more people like you!
Daniel Blanchard
Author and Speaker of the Granddaddy’s Secrets teen leadership book series.
* PURCHASE “THE STORM” http://tinyurl.com/glxzjaf
