Q&A with McQueen XC and T&F coach Paul De Leon
RENO, Nev. — A Q&A with Paul De Leon who is the head coach for McQueen Boys and Girls Cross Country and Track & Field.
How long have you been coaching?
Paul De Leon: This is my 9th year coaching at McQueen and 4th as head coach.
What is your background in this sport?
De Leon: I ran both cross country and was sprinter in track at McQueen and was part of the school’s first state winning team in 2010. I spent the first 5 years at McQueen as an assistant coach and I have certifications in coaching through USATF and USTFCCA.
What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to their success?
De Leon: Track is a difficult sport in that you must be ready to go for every race or event. We focus on the little details and preparation in making sure our athletes are ready to go on meet day. We cover everything from how to physically be prepared, to recovery, meals, starts and finishes. The biggest aspect of that is the mental game. Athletes are not only racing against other athletes but competing against the clock and themselves. That can be a challenge for any athlete, so we treat each event as an opportunity to improve regardless of outcome and try not to put too much pressure on a single event.
Please describe the most memorable games/tournaments/championships your team has won.
De Leon: The track program has had a lot of success over the years during my coaching tenure. As an assistant coach, the 2016 Regional Champion girls’ team was memorable because the girl’s program before that had not won a regional title in 4 years. That girls team was the foundation to help the program win four straight regional titles and during that time the program was able to help a lot of athletes get to the next level. As a head coach, last year’s boys team state title run was special. Going into the season I knew we were going to have a solid team and had athletes in all events that would contribute but I also knew we were coming off of the pandemic year and trying to rebuild the program a little bit. But we started to figure things out later in the season and had total buy in from everyone on the team and we just came together and were able to bring the North the first state title in track since 2014 when McQueen won it last.
How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?
De Leon: The biggest thing I emphasize to the team after a tough meet is to trust the process. You may not have your best performance or hit your personal best, but if you trust the training and practices we have, the results will come. Also in those moments, I encourage the team to rely on their teammates. Track and field has a big individual component to it but when things don’t go according to plan, leaning on your teammates can help stay positive and motivate you to keep working hard and make the most out of your opportunities. We build the program as a family, and we stick together through the tough times.
Describe your proudest coaching moment.
De Leon: My proudest as well as toughest coaching moment was coaching during the pandemic. I took over the program right before the pandemic started and shutdowns were happening. I had a great group of seniors that lost their season and wasn’t sure if I was going to continue to coach. Thankfully we were able to have a shortened season that next year and then a full season the following year. The uncertainty of everything and the challenges that the athletes faced everyday was difficult, but my coaching staff and I wanted to provide these athletes an outlet and a consistent routine that they could go to and provide them some sense of normalcy. Coaching the last few years has had its challenges but I am proud of the work that my staff and I were able to accomplish. We provide them with the best possible experience to improve their athletic ability, form strong connections with teammates, and most importantly have fun while learning to live a lifelong active lifestyle.
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?
De Leon: With athletics, there are so many life lessons that athletes will take with them off the field, but the biggest life lesson I’ve learned from being a coach is that our connections and bonds with each other are so incredibly important. I’ve learned to emphasize that aspect of sports as it makes a big difference in the experience that our athletes have. Athletes love the sports and competition, but its those connections that they make with their teammates that they are going to take with them.
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
De Leon: As a coach, the legacy I want to leave is enriching the experience of our student athletes in all aspects of life, not just on the field or the track. I want athletes who leave our program to be better prepared to take on challenges in life from the lessons that athletics teaches them. Winning is a great aspect, but I want our athletes to see their own growth and development as individuals and see the strengths that they have and continue to do amazing things in life in whatever they choose to do. Lastly, I also want athletes to leave their legacy knowing they contributed to the program and left a positive impact for future generations.
Anything else you’d like to add:
De Leon: While I know this is a coach of the month nomination, I do want to recognize my coaching staff as well. They do a great job in providing a positive experience for our athletes and work so hard in ensuring they are prepared and are continually improving in all aspects of life. All our accomplishment as a program would not be possible without their dedication to the team!
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