a                                 Catherine Grona  - Academy 02 Girls                                 a

      aCOACHINGa

• Teacher Jenks West Elementary; 1st & 2nd grade
• Sand Springs Soccer Club 5-6 Year Old Staff 2005-present
• Camp Counselor WSA Camp of Excellence

      aPLAYINGa

• Played for West Side Alliance S.C. 83 Girls 
  
  • Torn ACL ended playing career 
    

        aEDUCATION/CREDENTIALSa

• Bachelor of Science Degree, Early Childhood Education, University of Oklahoma, 2005
  
• USSF Licensed Coach, Youth Module I & II
• Certified Elementary Education
   

       a PERSONAL BIO a

Favorite Player
Brazilian -- Pele 
Gunners -- Thierry Henry 
U.S. National Team -- Claudia Reyna

Favorite Club Team
Arsenal

Favorite Saying
Defeat with dignity. Victory with Humility.

Coaching/Teaching Philosophy
All kids can learn and succeed if they are presented with unique situations that blend challenges with achievable outcomes. Success as a teacher, coach, or mentor is measured in the amount of investment you derive from your kids. Success is ongoing. It is not found in the u14 championship match, it is found in the moments when lesson meets life, and the future of the player is considered, so that 20 years down the road, a difference has been made.

Favorite Quote
"It’s not the critic that counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled, or how the doer of deeds could have done it better... the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat, and dust, and blood, who if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly". 
-- Theodore Roosevelt

"Never give up. Don’t ever give up." --- Jimmy Valvano

"Never die easy." -- Walter Payton

"Preach the gospel in everything you do. And when necessary, use words." -- St. Augustine

Favorite Song
"Eye of the Tiger" Survivor 
"Burning Heart" Survivor 
"The Dance" Garth Brooks
"Amazing Grace"

Favorite Movie
Rocky I, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V, Rocky VI (inevitably)
Rudy
My Girl 
Dead Poets Society

Favorite Hobbies
Collecting football cards, dispensing marbles around the globe
Emailing Dallas Cowboys coaching staff on Sunday evenings

Other Favorites
Football Team (American): Dallas Cowboys
Food: Anything Lebanese and Lasagna
Time: Dusk

Short Life Bio
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, although stories of coming over on a boat from Lebanon are much more dramatic (just not true). I am 1/2 Lebanese, 1/2 everything else. Moved to Sand Springs at the age of two, began my "footballing" career at the age of 6 in the Sand Springs Soccer Club. Attended Charles Page H.S. and was a four year basketball, cross-country and soccer athlete. Then attended Tulsa University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Biology/Pre-Med. Played for THE University of Tulsa (yes mocking THE University of Oklahoma claimers) and had the privilege and fortune of being a member of the T.U. team that was Missouri Valley Conference Champion and qualified for the NCAA tournament. Post-college decided on a temporary career in teaching and coaching. Have taught at Charles Page H.S. since 1997, and coached for W.S.A. since 1992. Because of the pay and benefits I have continued that path with no regrets. A truly wise man would know that this choice has made a truly rich man. Have been supported throughout my life by an amazing family and terrific friends. Always wanted to be a country music singer -- but can’t sing. When I grow up I want to have a family and kids and be named a long distance consultant of the Dallas Cowboys. Find inspiration in my students and athletes on a daily basis, and my hero is my Sittee (Lebanese for grandma), and my heart is stolen by Alyssa, my 18 month old niece.