How does a student athlete and mother become a superstar coach to students and even Olympians? Karen Dennis, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how her Buddhist practice led to a decorated coaching career.
At the time of her retirement from Ohio State as the director of both Track and Field teams, she won the most Big Ten titles of any woman in Ohio State history. Prior, she coached teams at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Michigan State and the National Women’s 2000 Olympic Team. She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for three prestigious organizations and voted coach of the year by her peers 13 times.
Today, we discuss what Buddhism has in common with mindset of winning athletes and coaches.
Karen Dennis with championship trophies she helped Ohio State University win during her years as a coach. Photo by Nathan Kensinger.
Cheat Sheet
04:20 Karen’s brother shares “the key to happiness”
09:53 Reluctantly becoming a coach
16:00 Growing as an athlete and human
21:59 There are no shortcuts to success
25:02 Taking a losing team to a winning one
32:10 A team can’t win if the coach isn’t winning
36:53 Coaching two teams to championships
44:07 Unity is key
47:50 Know your “why”
Resources mentioned:
- “The Hero of the World,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 835.
- The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 172
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