Thomas Dellota is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Niles West (Ill.) High School. His role embodies the idea of transformative coaching, extending into the territory of mentorship, education, and personal development. At the heart of Dellota’s methodology lies an unwavering commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals, capable of excelling both in sports and in life.
Dellota’s journey at Niles West began in 2019, officially tasked with improving the physical strength of the school’s athletes. His responsibilities are varied, however, encompassing curriculum design, hands-on teaching, and the orchestration of after-school training sessions. By integrating academic elements with athletic training, Dellota crafts an inclusive environment where students are driven to excel.
“It feels like there’s even a greater purpose than just the strength and conditioning,” Dellota says. “There’s a certain pride to being a representation of your community.”
Community Connection
Dellota’s personal narrative is one of resilience and profound connection to his community. Growing up in Skokie, Illinois, the same town where he now coaches, he brings a unique perspective that resonates deeply with his students. His path wasn’t paved with fortune or a high-profile athletic career; it was marked by determination, a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
“I’m like, ‘Yeah, I went to that church and I did grocery shopping there, and I played at that park,'” Dellota says. “So I have those experiences that I could pull from to further connect with the kids.”
The personal connection to the community is not just a backdrop for Dellota’s coaching philosophy; it’s a driving force that shapes his interactions with students. His ability to draw from local experiences allows him to forge genuine connections, making him a relatable and influential figure in the lives of his athletes.
Tackling Diversity in Athletics
In a field where representation is at the core of everything, Dellota stands as a glaring example. His presence as an Asian American coach in a profession where Asian representation is sparse challenges stereotypes and offers a much-needed role model for students from diverse backgrounds. By embracing who he is, Dellota encourages students to see beyond traditional boundaries and aspire for roles they might believe are out of reach.
“It’s good to be a positive male role model in the building that looks like our kids,” Dellota says. “Especially in the field of athletics, to be honest, because there’s not a lot of Asian American representation there.”
His inclusive approach to coaching ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This inclusivity is crucial in a school as diverse as Niles West, where a myriad of cultures and backgrounds converge. Dellota’s work goes beyond physical training; it’s about building a community where every student can succeed.
“Humanity is humanity and good souls are good souls, so I try to cultivate that,” says Dellota. “We actually take time outside the weight room at least once a week or once every two weeks to just do stuff in the classroom, and we just talk.”
Engaging Students Beyond the Gym
Dellota’s philosophy extends beyond developing physical strength; it encompasses intellectual growth and emotional well-being. He leverages the classroom as a space for broader education, addressing topics from nutrition to global cultural awareness. These discussions are designed to equip students with a well-rounded perspective, preparing them for the complexities of the world beyond high school.
“When students hit you with those unique attributes, like, let’s pull them out.” Dellota says. “Then they start to trust you. Then we just had this really deep conversation, which could probably lead to other deeper conversations.”
His approach to teaching is dynamic, using real-life examples to make learning relevant and engaging. By connecting physical training with academic subjects, Dellota helps students appreciate the interplay between mind and body, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to personal development.
Perhaps the most profound aspect of Dellota’s coaching is his emphasis on life lessons. He understands that athletics are a platform for teaching values such as leadership, perseverance, and empathy. From his perspective, the skills learned in the weight room or on the field are essential tools for navigating life’s challenges.
“I want them to be great fathers or great coaches or great teachers as well,” Dellota says. “And I think you get to do that by learning how you could interact with others. I was like, ‘Hey, you know what, Zach? You can’t talk to all these kids the same way.’ He was like, ‘What do you mean?’ I was like, ‘Well, this one could probably get motivated by that stronger fiercer approach. And this one needs a little more like, hey, what’s going on?'”
Dellota’s impact on his students is evident in the way they carry themselves, both in competition and in their daily lives. Through his guidance, students learn to set goals, work collaboratively, and approach challenges with resilience. These lessons, instilled within the framework of athletic training, prepare students for success long after they leave Niles West.
Niles West High School has a Strength Coach that offers much more than just physical training. Thomas Dellota pursues a holistic approach, rooted in community connection, diversity, and life-long learning. His approach exemplifies the profound impact a dedicated coach can have on the lives of young athletes. Through his work, Dellota is not just shaping stronger athletes; he’s shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
