Basketball Anthropologist: Researcher, Creator, Strategist, & Coach

My name is Zach Moo Young and I’m in search of great coaching. By that, I mean coaching (broadly defined) with an eye toward developing leadership, problem-solving, and social interest and understanding.

I view this project as an extension of my studies as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow at Oberlin College (c/o 2017), where I studied the relationship between race, sport, and upward mobility. In short, I asked the question, “What allows Black college athletes to thrive socially, academically, and eventually, in their careers?”

The answer was, “It’s complicated, but coaching certainly matters.” I recognized the role that just one coach could have in transforming their athletes’ lives, and I’ve had the coaching bug ever since.

Over the last few years I’ve been fortunate to coach and train basketball players, working with players ranging from 3rd graders picking up a ball for the first time, to NBA veterans. My priority as a coach is helping young people develop an interest in lifelong learning, lead healthy lives, and realize their potential to advocate for themselves and others.

From a sociological standpoint, I’ve become fascinated by what I’ve seen from some special coaches, who are serving as what I call “Civic Leaders.” Why do some coaches speak out? What led to their social consciousness? What do their players expect from them? How are they empowering young people to make a difference? These are the sorts of questions for which I seek answers.

In the spirit of never graduating, I’m excited to launch this research project. Thanks for being a part of the ride.

www.zachmooyoung.com