Michael Thomas Has a Passion for Coaching That Goes Beyond the Game

Thomas enjoys witnessing his athletes prepare and execute a gameplan

By Jonah Storey

Recently in Memphis, an exhilarating Unified basketball game unfolded at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center. The game featured two teams of athletes with Unified Partners from the British Consulate-General of Atlanta. This engaging event was a highlight of the "Brits on Beale" celebration hosted by the British Consulate-General of Atlanta. Regulation time wasn't enough for the two teams, as they battled it out to force overtime. Coach Michael Thomas added a significant contribution to the team's performance.

Thomas has been instrumental to Special Olympics Tennessee for the past eight years for his coaching and leadership qualities.

"From that first day, I've been in love with the coaching process," said Thomas. "It started off just as messing around with basketball. Now I coach flag football, track & field and basketball. And, I think anything else that if it's a sport I probably coach it."

Thomas's unique skill is the ability to go wherever he is needed and having a love for the work itself.

Thomas’ love for the game of basketball and coaching stems from observing his son excel. His son's success extends beyond the basketball court, as the sport has also contributed to the development of vital communication skills off the court. Thomas personally reflects on the impact of the coaching process on his son.

"He's autistic, and he was sort of nonverbal at the youngest stages of his life," said Thomas. "If he wasn't in this program, I don't think he would be where he is now. His being able to communicate the way that he does, I have to say that's the biggest thing overall. And I think me coaching him helped him get there too."

He was extremely proud of his son in this past city tournament as the work he had been putting into practice was on full display.

Outside of watching his son excel, Thomas loves coaching because, just like every coach and motivator, he loves to win. When it comes to winning, it is deeper than just the concept of winning itself, he loves the preparation.

"When you see them comprehend and put together a game plan to win the game, that's maybe the biggest enjoyment for me," said Thomas. "Because anybody can run up and down the court, but it’s when they work together on the game plan that we have set to try to get a win and they actually work it out. That’s the best part for me. I guess it's problem-solving that they go through to get from point A to point B. That's what I have enjoyed most about it."

For every person who loves winning, there is always a reason why, and Thomas’ why is that he loves preparation and seeing the jubilation on the athletes' faces once they have reached that goal.