My name is Timothy Respass and I am a Head Basketball Coach and acting District Director for the United States Basketball Academy in Chongqing, China. I have been with USBA China for the last 17 months. For the prior 6 years before coming to Chongqing, I coached basketball at the college, junior college, and post grad prep levels. I also coached AAU for Global Squad, which brings International players over to the US, and was a skill development trainer. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Penn State and an Associates degree in Sports Management from Bucks County Community College.
I spoke with USBA over a couple of phone interviews and accepted the position to come to Chongqing, but 2 weeks before coming out here I started to second guess my decision. There was so much uncertainty and I was thinking that I would rather stay in the States. I think I was just getting nervous about such a big change. My family helped ease my mind and I decided that I wanted to take the chance with USBA China, and I could not have made a better choice.
I have been able to grow so much as a person and I feel like I am in a much better place in my life in just 17 months of being in China. It didn’t take me long to get comfortable with life out here because of the management in Chongqing. They did a great job of getting me accustomed to the life here and how to do everyday things. It did take some adjustments to get used to coaching with a translator and teaching kids who spoke a different language than me, but I feel like that has only strengthened my abilities as a coach, a teacher, and a motivator. I love coming into the gym to coach our students every week. We do not need to speak the same language to be able to get our message across to each other. I often do individual training with some students who want to put in extra work as well. I do that by myself with no translator and most of the time they can’t speak any English, but we are able to make it work and put in some great sessions.
There are so many people out here in China that love basketball. It is awesome to witness that firsthand and to get to experience that while living in the Chinese culture. There is a bit of a culture shock at first, but once you are adjusted to the life you can really enjoy your time out here. Just walking down the street you will see people smiling and waving at you while saying hello, and it isn’t just kids. People of all ages get excited when they see foreigners. That is the same when the students get to the gym for class. They always run on the court with a smile and so much excitement. The parents are always so appreciative and happy to have their kids in class. I always get messages from the parents thanking me for my hard work and my passion to coach their kids. I consider all of the students and their parents a part of my USBA family. My management team and coaches that I work with in Chongqing are a part of my family as well. The coaches here are constantly looking to improve. Helping the kids improve feels incredible, but I find it equally as enjoyable to see my Chinese coaches further their knowledge of the game and improve their understanding of how to coach.
Accepting this position with USBA China has been the best move that I could have made. I may only be in year 2 but it is a definite possibility that I could be out here for a few more years. Being here has not only improved my confidence in my abilities as a basketball coach, but it has allowed me to grow as a leader. This is proof that you should bet on yourself and take a chance. Not everyone can say that they got to coach in another country, so take the chance if you have it. Sometimes things won’t work out like you want, but sometimes they will. So if the opportunity for a different experience comes up, say yes to it. You never know what can happen unless you give it a try.
If you are interested in coaching overseas, have earned a Bachelor’s Degree, and have been out of school for two years or more, then send your resume to [email protected].
