I recently had the opportunity to speak with Coach Rey about what inspires him and how his first few weeks at Minnechaug have been going. As I walked into his room I was greeted with a warm smile, and calming ocean noises playing in the background. We then began to discuss the questions I had prepared.

What inspired you to pick up the position at Chaug?

“So I had moved back from the area after playing professional rugby, visiting my parents in Western Mass. I went to the gym, Planet Fitness, and met Coach Nickerson’s wife. We talked and she brought up his background and asked if I was interested in potentially being a coach. My original plan was to be a Springfield firefighter. But that changed. I decided to take the offer since working in a school, and coaching was a perfect mix.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“I think my favorite thing is my connection with the students, and being an educator. I feel like connecting with my students is easier since I have been through what they have in a recent time period. Another big thing is being able to coach them to not make the same mistakes I did, and to help them learn and understand potential mistakes before they happen.” 

How would you describe your coaching style?

“I would say my coaching style is starting slow, and slowly building up a foundation to work our way up. I would also say I’m very passionate, and I like to get a little loud. I consider myself a ‘player coach’ since I have the experience to teach them, I’m also very energetic.” 

What is your relationship with football?

“My relationship with football is different. I grew up loving the sport, I grew up playing for fun, but I only played for two years in high school, so it’s not the strongest relationship. But when I went to an open tryout in San Diego I made the team and played professional football for a year. This taught me a lot about being a better person, friend, and now a coach.” 

Do you have any favorite moments from practice, or as a coach?

“I would say so far, the Enfield scrimmage has been my favorite. Watching the older players excel and use what they learned at practice. Also seeing the support, like when JV stayed and cheered them on. Brotherhood is why I do it, watching the team come together makes it all worth it.”

What do you look for in a student-athlete?

“For me, the commitment piece is huge. Someone who is committed and loves what they do, helps them excel in everything else they do inside and outside the classroom. So truly, commitment is the biggest thing for me.”

If you went to college, where did you go, and did you play football there?

“I went to Bentley University and played baseball in college. I am still in touch with a lot of people there, especially my baseball team. I had an amazing college experience.”

Do you have any hobbies outside of football, if so what are they?

“I love the oceans! Any chance I get I will go to the local beach, I always have my ocean sounds in my room. I also play a lot of other sports, and love going to the gym. I work out with Mr. Arnett. I love swimming, which goes back to the beach, it is my favorite hobby. So overall anything physical or active. 

Coach Rey was a very fascinating person, and easy to talk to. The information conveyed throughout this interview is that he is a new coach, with experience in the pro leagues in three sports including rugby, football, and baseball. He uses all his resources and his past experiences to do his best at becoming a reliable, and inspiring coach for the Minnechaug boys football team.