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Locker Room talk with Danny Penn: Don't forget to have fun
Editor’s note: Locker Room Talk: Coaches Edition, is a piece where every week the Nevada Daily Mail will interview a high school coach and ask them a series of questions. This week's guest is Nevada High School Baseball Coach Danny Penn.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my mom, Becky. She’s been such a great role model for me- in so many ways. Growing up, she showed me how to treat other people with kindness and respect, whether it was someone “important” or someone I’d never meet again. She’s shown me the value of hard work- if you want something, don’t make excuses for it, go work for it. And she’s shown the importance of loyalty and family. She’s always put her family first and foremost. When my dad got sick, she never left his side. She’s been our family’s rock, whether she realizes it or not. So much of the person I am today is because of her and my dad.
What made you want to be a coach?
I’ve always wanted to feel like I’m helping and making an impact on people. It is what drew me to teaching as well- the opportunity to have a daily impact on the lives of students who are at such an important stage of their lives. Coaching is so much fun and so rewarding because it takes that same opportunity and shifts it to the playing field. Coaches are able to connect with their players on a different level than in the classroom, but still help them grow and learn the value of hard work and perseverance. I remember the impact that my coaches had- and some still have- on me.
What was your favorite sport to compete in back in the day, and what is your favorite sport to watch either at home or on your phone?
Baseball was my favorite sport growing up; my parents used to tell me stories of me throwing balls around our house when I was less than a year old. My dad imparted a love of baseball on me at a young age, and that stuck. I’ve always enjoyed watching baseball, football, basketball, and golf- and that continues today.
Let's say the Nevada R-5 School District is looking to add a sport to their athletic calendar that they do not currently have. Tyson Beshore (Nevada R-5's Superintendent) comes up to you and asks what sport they should add. What sport are you choosing, and would you coach that sport?
A sport that I took up in college and really enjoyed was racquetball. It’s a great workout and a lot of fun. It’d have to be a fall sport though!
What advice would you give someone who is going through a rough time?
Don’t try to go through it alone. Find and lean on those people who truly care for you, and let them help. Try to figure out what you can do to get through it, and then start taking steps toward that end.
What are some of your hobbies that don't include sports?
It's kind of a sport, but I enjoy being out and staying active. My wife and I have two German Shepherds. They keep us on our toes. We also both really enjoy traveling- we’ve been to 20 different countries together. Seeing the world and experiencing different cultures is something we both really enjoy.
What is one single piece of advice you would give to someone who might want to be a coach someday?
Don’t forget to have fun and remember why you’re doing it. Early in my coaching career, I forgot to do that. Thankfully, a couple veteran coaches- Coach McNeley and Coach Beshore- reminded me and helped get me back on track. It’s something I remind myself of frequently.
Is criticism something you have to get used to overtime?
To an extent; people will always have their own opinion on how something should have been handled, or who should have played, etc. - and they’re entitled to that. I always try to make sure the baseball or softball coaching staff has thoroughly discussed a situation and arrived at what was believed to be the best decision at the time. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.
Last time on Locker Room Talk, Nevada Athletic Director David Hawks wanted to ask you, If you would have played a sport other than baseball, what would it be and why?
I really enjoy golfing, but it’s a spring sport like baseball. Two of my best high school friends, Matt Cash and Scott Benbrook, played golf and it would have been fun to play all the neat area courses.
Next week on Locker Room talk, it will be Nevada Middle School football coach Toby Thorp. Do you have a question for him?
What is the best advice he wished someone would have given him when he was a first-year coach?