The following article will be published in the November edition of Saginaw Township Living magazine.

Nouvel Catholic Central Coaches Live Out The School’s Mission

Tessa Pinkerton, Nouvel Catholic Central Admissions & Marketing
Mike Kolleth, Photographer

At Nouvel Catholic Central, coaches help student-athletes live out the mission to learn, love and lead… courageously, knowing this extends well beyond the field or court. Nouvel’s roster of coaches is deep, including well-tenured and newer coaches, assistant coaches, parents and volunteers. Each takes their role seriously in helping shape the hearts and minds of Panthers of all ages, into well-rounded students-athletes prepared to succeed in all they do in life.

Athletic opportunities start with the youngest Panthers in the form of sports clinics and summer camps, where coaches can begin fostering a love of a sport. The coaches and varsity teams host these events as a way to give back to the Nouvel community and provide older students additional ways to develop leadership skills. This servant leadership by coaches can also happen with team service projects, volunteering at community events like Greek Fest, cleaning up roadside trash or helping at one of the Diocese of Saginaw parishes. 

When students were asked what they think makes a great coach, Panthers were happy to share traits, like strong leadership, humbleness and the ability to connect with their players. Other adjectives mentioned were enthusiastic, encouraging, patient and respectful. Coaches can be tough and have high standards, but also help players reach their potential and expectations.

Some of the high school Panthers said having a group of coaches that all work together, along with the athletics department, can be what sets a coach apart. In football, there is a team of coaches and each has different strengths and experience. They are examples to the  student-athletes about how to work together and value what each person can bring to the table. Freshmen Cashton Galus and Chase Bennett added, “The football coaches care about you and the team. You work hard, but they have teachable moments with you and will listen. They are good communicators.”

When Senior Macey Hausbeck thought about what makes excellent coaches, she shared this about her tennis coaches specifically, “Coaches Meghan and Kelsey are always uplifting, positive, willing to help us get better and make a positive welcoming environment for all the girls on the team. They make it exciting to show up to practice everyday and look forward to tennis matches.” It comes as no surprise that Meghan Lawler-Aird and Kelsey Lawler-Lucas would be spoken of so highly by their players. Each spring, they see a full roster of Panthers eager to be on the team. They have built a program that continues to grow each year and perform well. They saw a second place finish at regionals in the spring 2025 season, qualifying them for their 6th straight trip to states, then finishing 10th overall at states.

The coaching staff is just one aspect that sets Nouvel apart. Panther student-athletes enjoy incredible opportunities to shine on the field and as leaders in their community. They receive the benefit of smaller class sizes and individualized attention in the classroom, in addition to the family atmosphere. For more information on Nouvel athletics, please visit www.NouvelCatholic.org/Explore.