For 31 years, Renee Gibson’s natural habitat has been in the classroom, teaching math. However, coaching is not a foreign concept to her. Gibson’s experience coaching sports drew her to fulfill the role of a robotics coach. Although Gibson is not well acquainted with the robotics world, she looks forward to learning more about it and connecting with students outside of class.
WSS: Why did you become the teacher sponsor for Trobotix?
Gibson: “I was interested in what you guys do, and it was another way for me to connect with kids because I used to coach volleyball but I don’t coach sports anymore.”
WSS: What past experiences do you have that the team can benefit from?
Gibson: “I have an engineering degree. I hated that. I hated that job only because I didn’t get to talk. So I’m hoping some of my engineering skills, or just problem-solving skills and the math can help- especially the JV team- because I think the varsity team kind of has their act together.”
WSS: What is your role as a coach?
Gibson: “I think guidance, school liaison right now. I’m really watching Scott, Alexa, listening to the varsity members, trying to guide or steer the JV members. Really, I’m learning this year. Learning about build, strategy, programming, all of it. I did not know it was this intricate.”
WSS: What makes Trobotix unique?
Gibson: “I think the members of Trobotix are very unique, and how you guys come together in all aspects, and you all bring strengths to each area. I didn’t know all of the different components, but I love watching you all together. Like, I only see you individually in classes or maybe in the hallway, but I don’t see you in this element, which is completely different than the academic side.”
WSS: How do you feel like coaching has impacted you as a teacher?
Gibson: “I miss coaching. You get to see another side of students that you don’t get to see. So like, having you in math is very different than seeing you interact and take the lead here. And so it’s just, it’s more fun as a teacher to see kids outside of the classroom in their element.”
WSS: What has been a challenge for you thus far?
Gibson: “I don’t know anything about robotics. I am learning by trial and error and as a math teacher, that is so not me. Like, I come in knowing, okay, we’re gonna do this, this, and like, we have a scrimmage in two weeks and I’m really worried.”
WSS: What goals do you have for the team?
Gibson: “Listening to you this year, I feel like you guys don’t feel like you’re as strong as the seniors you lost last year, and I really think you are. And so, I’m hoping you will exceed the team from last year. I think the experiences you gained from them, and I think with the effort and the hard work that you guys put in, I think you can exceed. I’m just hoping you guys do better than what you expect.”
WSS: What are you looking forward to this season?
Gibson: “The meets, seeing a meet and actually seeing robots. Until you guys do strategy with another team, I cannot see that, and I don’t get that. And so, there’s so much in the strategy of going into the pits, and when you guys interview and talk to other teams, and then, you know, one time you’re having an alliance, and then the next team there might be your competitor. I’m really interested to see that and just how different robots look and how they perform, and you know, how we stack up.”
WSS: What do you hope to take away from this experience?
Gibson: “Again, learning about the system of robotics and next year, being able to at least assist the varsity kids. Again, we’re going to be losing seniors and kind of being there so as the juniors step up, giving them that confidence to say, ‘you’ve got this, you have this experience.’ I mean, it’s just kind of like the leads this year, kind of just coming into their own. And I really can’t help them, but next year I can.”
