Coach Erin Dromgoole – Former All – American Distance Runner, Current Head Varsity Track & Field Coach

Getting to know Erin Dromgoole as a runner

Coach Erin Dromgoole’s journey into athletics began early, with a particular emphasis on running, winning multiple state championships at Millbury High School before college. Throughout her career, she was known for her calmness under pressure and her ability to pace races effectively. These attributes were cultivated through her high school and college years, where she competed in track and field. At Dartmouth, goal-setting sessions were a pivotal part of her preparation, where athletes would write out their goals and splits for upcoming races. This practice of clearly defining objectives played a significant role in her development, helping her stay focused and motivated. The team-oriented culture at Dartmouth also instilled in her the importance of supporting and encouraging teammates, which she has carried into her coaching career.

Psychological Outlooks and Preparation as an Athlete

Initially, Coach Dromgoole’s focus was more on physical preparation, with mental preparation becoming a key component later on. At Dartmouth, she engaged in goal-setting sessions, which were a form of mental preparation that helped athletes visualize their performance and set specific targets. Today, she incorporates “mindful minutes” before big workouts and competitions, allowing athletes to clear their minds and focus on the immediate tasks ahead. This routine helps reduce stress from the school day and sharpens their focus. She emphasizes providing athletes with all necessary information about competitions to eliminate uncertainties, which helps them stay calm and concentrate on their performance. Additionally, she advocates for breaking down races into smaller, manageable parts, and treating each of them as an individual race, which helps athletes stay composed and focused during competitions.

Approach to Coaching Track and Field

As a coach, Coach Dromgoole places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive and positive team culture. She believes that a culture of encouragement and positivity frees athletes to perform because they are passionate and excited rather than feeling pressured. She starts each season by having athletes write down their goals, which include basic, reach, and ecstatic goals. This approach helps athletes set realistic targets while also aiming high. After each competition, the athletes will sit down and reflect on how well they did at pursuing those goals, which offers a more constructive approach to post-race analysis rather than a more superficial approach such as purely looking at results. She also values the importance of routines and consistency in preparation, ensuring that athletes stick to familiar warm-up routines regardless of the competition level. By focusing on what the team does well and keeping the attention internal, she helps athletes avoid being distracted by external factors and the performances of others. This supportive atmosphere is bolstered by involving veteran athletes in mentoring roles, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Key Takeaways: Goal Setting and Perspective

From the interview with Coach Dromgoole, several unique insights stand out. Her emphasis on mental preparation through goal setting and mindful practices highlights the importance of psychological readiness in addition to physical training. The use of detailed routines and providing comprehensive information about competitions helps athletes remain calm and focused. Her coaching philosophy prioritizes a positive team culture, which she believes is fundamental to athletic success. This culture is built from the ground up, starting with entry-level athletes and involving veterans in mentorship roles. Her flexible approach to training plans, which adapts to the needs and conditions of the athletes, ensures that they peak at the right time without risking burnout. By promoting a balance of attainable and aspirational goals, she helps athletes stay motivated and focused throughout the season. These practices, combined with her focus on supportive team dynamics, offer valuable lessons for both athletes and coaches.