Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom McDermott.
Tom, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hockey has always been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I grew up in Milton, MA and started playing hockey when I was 5 years old with Milton Youth Hockey and continued through high school. I have many memories of my dad bringing me to early games or my mom bundled up sitting at a practice at the local MDC rink. I am also a life-long Bruins fan, supporting the team during the drought-years of my youth with no Stanley Cup!
Growing up, I was very fortunate to have some great coaches, especially in hockey.
Dr. Richard Shea was my coach for a number of years, and taught me and my fellow teammates the game. I learned about the importance of playing positions, good sportsmanship, skill development and attitude. Coach Shea’s knowledge of the game and his willingness to devote so much of his time volunteering left a big impression on me.
As I grew up and had my own children, coaching my kids was something that interested me. I wanted that connection with my kids, be it on the ice or the soccer field. It felt good volunteering my time to coach and give my time as others had given their time to me. I have coached all three of my children in different sports and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
For the past four years, I have been on the Board of Directors of Triboro Youth Hockey, with this year being my first as President. Being a member of the board is also a rewarding experience. My fellow board members and I put in a lot of time planning the season, raising money, hosting special events, dealing with player, coach and parent issues as well as taking pride in the success of our 200+ players throughout the season.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a coach, each year the team dynamics and personalities will differ. I have learned that I need to take that into account and adapt my approach accordingly.
What motivates the team one year may not work the next. As each season approaches, I think about how to improve my communication with the players and their families so that everyone on the team has a positive experience.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Triboro Youth Hockey – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Triboro Youth Hockey is an organization made up of hockey players (both boys and girls) from Westborough, Marlborough and Southborough. We have over 200 players in our program starting with us learn to skate all the way thru Midgets (high school age players).
We are a town hockey program vs “select program” which means we are more affordable, take kids of all skill levels, and tend not to travel as far as the “select teams”.
As an organization, we play teams from Eastern Mass, Northern Mass, Southern New Hampshire and Northern Rhode Island. Every team plays in at least one tournament each year which tends to be at resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York or on the Cape.
Triboro prides itself on keeping hockey affordable, attracting good coaches who are willing to volunteer their time for 7 months a year, as well as helping families that want to participate but are struggling financially. We will help fund hockey for at least 6-7 families this coming season due to financial hardship. As a board, this is something that we take tremendous pride in, and hope to continue.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future plans with Triboro will be to help the program grow and become even stronger financially.
I plan to continue volunteering as a coach and board member until my boys reach high school. Once they age-out of the program, I plan on stepping aside as a coach and member of the board, allowing others to come in with fresh ideas and enthusiasm.
I firmly believe that being a coach and/or member of a non-profit board allows a person to better understand and respect the effort that goes into keeping an organization viable for others. Any parent with a child in sports should consider volunteering in some capacity. The rewards you receive will be worth the time and effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.triboro.org
- Phone: 508-254-3666
- Email: registrar@triboro.org
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
