Bridger of the Month: Jeff Winter
This article is a part of Civic Bridgers’ series Bridger of the Month. Bridger of the Month spotlights leaders who embody the values of humanity, humility, and accountability: Civic Bridgers.
Jeff Winter knows a thing or two about bridging differences between people from vastly different backgrounds. While the Willmar High School head soccer coach and middle school counselor has a busy schedule, he still makes time to connect with his students off the pitch. A diverse and growing community in central Minnesota, Willmar Public Schools students speak 29 different languages at home. A feature in the Minnesota Star Tribune noted Willmar’s struggles within the larger national immigration debate. Civic Bridgers asked the coach a few questions on building connections between students of different backgrounds and the impact of his work. This interview has been edited for clarity.
Civic Bridgers: How would you describe your work in your own words?
Jeff Winter: I have two jobs in the school district. My main job is that of a School Counselor in our middle school. But the article in the paper was about my role as the boys' head soccer coach at Willmar High School. I believe that the two jobs are intertwined and the counselor role serves me well in the coaching role. They are enmeshed and it would be hard to pull one out from the other. I would describe both roles as a path finder, or bridger. I find paths for people to connect with what they need - each other, county services, their voice, etc. In particular in the boys' soccer program, we are the most diverse sports team at the high school. So, the coaching staff and I work hard to bridge the gaps between our players and soccer just happens to be the vehicle to do it. Soccer is an international language, a common ground. Pretty much every country in the world plays some sort of it. Even when we have differences or don't know much about each other, you can usually start with soccer and build from there. We use team events to get to know each other. For example, this season, we had traditional ethnic meals for the entire team hosted by different families.
CB: How did you connect people who have differing perspectives?
JW: Connecting teenagers through sports is a pretty straightforward and easy path. When all the players from different countries, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc., see a soccer field, it is a common ground, where none of the rest of that matters. The guys can shed the burdens of everyday life and walk on the field and be like everyone else out there, in at least one way - they love soccer! Again, that common ground is the bedrock we can use to build friendships. I believe that in our program, we build a brotherhood every year within each of our teams. We start with the common ground of soccer and add in care, compassion and listening. We need to hear the stories of our players to understand where they come from and their perspectives. People will go a lot further for you, and for each other, when they know the other person cares about them, understands their plight, and has empathy.
CB: How do you embody accountability in your work?
JW: Accountability is woven into our program. School attendance, practice attendance and success in the classroom are all cornerstones of our program. If these things are not in place, we work with our players to knock down barriers to success. We have homework sessions in place of or in addition to practice when needed, or excuse individual players from practice to make up school work. We also have to have consequences when these goals are not met. Also, in everyday conversations with our players, whether it is individually or in groups, we emphasize being accountable to yourself, your coaches and your teammates on and off the pitch.
CB: What’s next for you?
JW: More of the same! Continuing to coach the boys' soccer program and always look to improve what we are doing. I am always looking for new ways to teach the skills of the game, but more importantly, the skills of life. Very few players will go on to play college or professional soccer, so we want them to leave our program with an understanding of what it takes to be a successful person and someone who contributes to society. I do not see myself walking away from the boys' soccer program anytime soon. Coaching is a two-way street. These boys are enriching my life as much as I hope I am enriching their lives. As long as the school will continue to allow me to coach, I plan to keep coaching.
