Meet the Coaches: Pom Brown

Pom Brown, Mountain Pointe badminton

Do you live in Ahwatukee?

Yes, I have been an Ahwatukee Foothills resident since 1993.

How long have you been coaching? How did you get involved in coaching?

I started as volunteer assistant coach for Karen Jacobson, then the coach of Mountain Pointe High School's badminton team, which included her daughter Kori Jacobson in 1995. Two years later, MPHS had its first state singles champ in Kori and team state in 1997. In 1999-2000 I was a volunteer assistant to coach Dave Klecka. I had a chance to work with Nicole Powell in 1999. That year we won team state championship, state singles in Nicole and state doubles in duo Candice Coyle and Staci Quinn. In 2000, we won the state team championship. In 2003, I assisted coach Kevin Quick and that year we won the team state championship. I volunteered at MPHS from 1995 to 2006, but not in 2005 because I had back surgery. In 2005, when coach Quick was a head coach, MPHS won team the state championship and also in 2006. I took over as head coach in 2007.

Did you always think you would be a coach?

When I was younger I never planned to be a coach. After I worked as a volunteer, I seem to enjoy working with the coaches, the girls and playing badminton.

What is the hardest part of your job as it relates to your sport?

Badminton is a sport that challenges not only physical ability but also mental ability. Improving both abilities of the girls to a better player is not easy. It is not all about winning or losing but to promote the girls in a high sense of honor, duty and ethical character also is a big challenge.

What is the best part of your job as it relates to your sport?

Working with the younger girls makes me feel like I'm young again (I'm kidding). I enjoy watching the girls' progress, be part of their lives in their tough times and good times, and encourage them when they are down. We feel like we're family, they can talk to me about anything any time. We laugh together and cry together.

If you could coach any other sport, what would it be and why?

I'm not interested in coaching other sports.