AIA: You’ve referred to Coach Anderson as your Texas Dad. Have you ever had challenges with communicating and how would you direct an athlete through a wonky period with their coach?

Beard: “I would remind athletes just like anybody else: People cannot read your mind. I used to think my coach could read and understand my body language or my reaction or response to something which is not always true.

It’s important to keep those communication lines open. Be confident enough that you can go to your coach and explain your issues or things that you’re concerned about.”

AIA: What wisdom would you give to young athletes looking to foster a great relationship with their coach as they think about the next steps in their careers?

Beard: “I actually sat down and made a pros and cons list and after making my list, some of the options that I thought I had that seemed so much better we not once I made the list and wrote it out on paper.

It was just about ‘What am I looking for?’ That’s a question I think people should always ask themselves. What do I want to do besides run fast? Everybody wants to run fast or throw far or jump far. I had the mindset of wherever I go, I’m going to do great so what else can this school add to me as far as an athlete and a person?…What is important to you? What are you looking for and can this school provide those things?”

AIA: What would be something that you’re really appreciative of your coach for doing to support you and make you feel known?

Beard: “He took time to learn me personally. He knows how big my faith is so he found a way to integrate wisdom through faith that I could relate to. Since I’m so faith-based I remember once I was so nervous and he was like, ‘Jessica, it’s already been written. God has already determined the outcome. All you can do is execute and do your best. That’s all you can do.’ That gave me this reassurance that I did not have initially because I was so wound up. He found a way to integrate my faith through wisdom that could really reach me as an individual.”