I grew up a die hard basketball fan, falling in love with Michael Jordan and following the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant through their tear of the NBA. I have always played basketball for as long as I could remember. Playing in leagues all throughout my youth, having different coaches on every team and never having someone consistent in my basketball journey.
My father played basketball, but he never took his playing to the next level. So, when it came time for me to go to high school, I never had the drive or motivation to try out for the basketball team and let all four years pass me by.
Going into college, I did not know what I wanted to do with my career or education. I worked my way up to managing a local Chick Fil A near my home for just about 4 years, while taking courses at a local community college. I started working out at Joe Virga’s (Parisi Speed School of San Diego’s Owner) kickboxing gym sometime during my first couple years of college. After about a year of knowing him, he asked me if I would like to become a coach at a new gym that he was opening up. I couldn’t say YES fast enough.
I took a year off of school to work with Joe as we started the Speed School, after which, I enrolled at Palomar College seeking my Bachelors in Applied Exercise Science. Now, I am proud to say that I am now two semesters away from completing my degree.
I fell in love with being a coach because I could provide the courage and the consistency that I did not have when I was a younger basketball player. Who knows where I would be today if I had someone in my corner helping me with my speed and strength. However, this does not mean I cannot be that person for someone in the future.
Each day that goes by is just another opportunity to advance each athletes skill level that I come in contact with. Each encounter is another chance for me to get to know them and figure out a way I can help them become the best athlete they can possibly be.
Joe has really allowed me to grow in Parisi Speed School San Diego by making mistakes through the three years I’ve been here, but also celebrating the victories whenever I accomplished something I thought I could not. I am far from an expert on speed, agility, or strength but I am positive that this is where I am supposed to be in my life. I am positive that being a coach is something that I completely love doing.
– Coach Anthony
Is Your Child’s School Having a Field Day?
Great beginning to get you to where you needed to be. You are that support, encouragement and great coach to all those kids you encounter, be their biggest supporter and cheerleader. Wishing you all the best I. Your coaching career, proud of you!
Wow! After reading this, I’ve grown a deeper gratitude toward speed and agility coaching. I feel the same about how things were for me in high school. I wish I had the support and knowledge to excel in my high school football career by having a program like yours in my life. It gives me the thought that if my kids grow up tonbe athletes, I just might enroll them into some classes with the Parisi Training Staff! Great Job Coach Anthony!