The Impact of Teaching Sex Education on Dan Hurley’s Coaching Career: Lessons from March Madness
In the world of college basketball, coaches play a crucial role in shaping their players both on and off the court. They are not only responsible for teaching the X’s and O’s of the game but also for guiding their players through life’s challenges. One coach who has taken a unique path to coaching success is Dan Hurley, currently the head coach of the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies. Hurley’s journey as a coach began with a surprising twist – teaching sex education.
Before landing his first head-coaching position at Wagner in 2012, Hurley spent nine years coaching high school basketball at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark. However, it was his experience as a teacher, specifically teaching sex education, that he believes has had a significant impact on his coaching career.
Teaching sex education at the age of 22, just after his playing days at Seton Hall, provided Hurley with valuable skills that he still utilizes today. “Being able to teach sex ed at St. Anthony, coed classes, you learn how to control a classroom and keep an audience captivated,” Hurley shared during an interview. These skills have undoubtedly translated into the huddle, where Hurley’s ability to communicate effectively and maintain the attention of his players is vital.
But teaching sex education wasn’t the only subject Hurley taught. At St. Benedict’s, he also taught history, which has left a lasting impression on his coaching style. UConn players have often joked that sometimes the old history teacher comes out during practices and games. Hurley’s knowledge of history, particularly European history, has allowed him to provide historical context and perspective to his players. This broader understanding of the world has helped his players develop a well-rounded perspective, both on and off the court.
Another coach making waves in the college basketball world is Kevin Keatts of N.C. State. Keatts not only had the responsibility of preparing his team to face No. 1 Purdue in the March Madness tournament but also managed to secure a major commitment from Louisville transfer forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. Keatts has embraced the transfer portal, a system that allows players to explore other college opportunities without penalty, and has successfully built his team using this approach. All five of N.C. State’s starters are transfers, showcasing Keatts’ ability to adapt and take advantage of the changing landscape of college basketball.
In the midst of March Madness, Connecticut freshman Stephon Castle had a memorable encounter with Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker. Booker met with the UConn team prior to their Final Four game, leaving a lasting impression on Castle and his teammates. Castle described the experience as “pretty cool” and expressed admiration for Booker’s current success in the NBA.
These stories from March Madness highlight the diverse backgrounds and experiences that coaches and players bring to the game of basketball. From teaching sex education to embracing the transfer portal, coaches like Dan Hurley and Kevin Keatts have found success by drawing on their unique experiences. And, as UConn freshman Stephon Castle discovered, encounters with NBA stars like Devin Booker can be inspiring and motivating for young athletes.
As the Final Four games continue to captivate basketball fans around the nation, it is important to remember that there is more to these coaches and players than meets the eye. Behind their strategies and skills lies a wealth of experiences that have shaped them into the individuals they are today. Whether it’s teaching sex education or meeting NBA superstars, these experiences have a lasting impact that extends far beyond the basketball court.
