Coaching Certification Courses
The USDBF believes offering high-quality coaching training programs to our membership is critical to the growth and development of our sport. Note that courses may be run by outside vendors associated with the USDBF. We offer two levels of coaching courses:
- Level 1: an entry-level program to teach essential coaching skills for novice, recreational, and intermediate teams.
- Taught by: Annely Thorstad, Connie Flesuras, Liz Bradley, Pat Bradley
- Level 2: an advanced program which prepares coaches to “coach to compete.”
- Taught by: Konrad Doerrbecker, Pat Bradley
Instructor bios:
Annely Thorstad (Boundary Waters Paddlesports):
- Merging lifelong experiences in paddling, racing, and coaching with advanced academic credentials, Sport Performance Specialist, Annely Thorstad offers a unique, comprehensive approach to performance enhancement for both club and athlete. A Master's Degree in Sport Performance Psychology and the pursuit of a PhD in Sport Performance allow her to incorporate cutting-edge strategies with practical know-how to create a holistic and science-backed path to success, empowering athletes and helping them to distinguish fact from fiction.
Connis Flesuras (Dragon Boat Training)
-
Connie Flesuras brings 20+ years of dragon boat paddling, team & club management, and drumming experience to the course. Connie was a Team USA National Coach for several years and a World Championship medalist.
Konrad Doerrbecker, Liz Bradley, Pat Bradley (Pan Am Dragon Boat):
- Together and separately, Pat & Konrad have led US and Canadian club and national teams to dozens of World Championships. At the 2019 Worlds in Thailand, they led Team USA Senior C to an unprecedented 11 gold medals.
- Liz was an athlete and team captain on the team.
For any questions, contact the Competition & Technical Committee at competition@USDBF.org.
