ABOUT US
COACHING SKILLS
FOR LIFE
MENTORS, COACHES, POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Coaching Skills for Life is built around a simple belief: young people thrive when they have positive adults in their corner.
Our coaches and mentors bring experience from athletics, education, leadership, and community service—but more importantly, they bring a commitment to helping students build confidence, overcome challenges, and recognize their potential.
It Takes A Team To Win The Game
The people behind Coaching Skills For Life understand that coaching goes beyond teaching a sport or leading an activity. A great coach can become a mentor. A mentor can provide encouragement, accountability, perspective, and guidance at a time when a young person needs it most
That's the environment CSFL works to create - one where students feel supported, challenged, respected, and encouraged to become stronger students, teammates, leaders, and young adults.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
GARY R. CASON
Founder, Coaching Skills For Life
Gary Cason founded Coaching Skills for Life with a commitment to giving young people positive guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to succeed.
His approach centers on building trusting relationships with students and helping them recognize that challenges do not have to determine their future.
Through mentorship, coaching, education, athletics, and community engagement, Gary continues to build a network of people committed to helping young people reach their full potential.
OUR COACHES & MENTORS
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND CSFL
Elisha " Cadillac" Harris
Volunteer Coach
Coach Harris brings decades of coaching and education experience across Hampton Roads and North Carolina, including work at Elizabeth City State University and Norfolk State University.
MARK BUTTS
Volunteer Coach
Coach Butts combines a passion for education and athletics with a commitment to helping young people grow through encouragement, guidance, and positive mentorship.
RON JENKINS
Volunteer Coach
Coach Jenkins supports the Coaching Skills for Life mission by helping provide young people with positive coaching, mentorship, and encouragement.
THAD HAROLD
Volunteer Coach
Coach Harold contributes his time and experience to help create a supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and build confidence.
RICKY HAILEY
Volunteer Coach
Coach Hailey serves as a volunteer coach committed to helping young people develop through positive relationships, teamwork, accountability, and encouragement.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUNG PEOPLE
RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
Young people are more likely to grow when they know someone believes in them.
COACING GOES
BEYOND THE GAME
The lessons learned through discipline, teamwork, accountability, and perseverance can last far beyond the court or field.
EVERY STUDENT
HAS POTENTIAL
Our role is to help young people see that potential and give them opportunities to develop it.
COMMUNITY MAKES
THE DIFFERENCE
Students are stronger when families, mentors, coaches, educators, and community members work together.