CMU’s head baseball coach Christopher Hanks received an award on behalf of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) on March 27. Hanks appeared at the annual PCA Awards to receive the Game Changer award.
As an organization, the PCA recognizes stand-out coaches and gives out annual awards to coaches who go the extra mile.
The award ceremony lasted three hours, during which CMU-alumni and MLB player, Sergio Romo recognized Hanks for his influence and effect as a coach. Romo was the one to present the award to Hanks at the ceremony.
“This [award] was specifically given to me by one person, and that was Sergio Romo,” Hanks said.
Romo joined CMU as a pitcher in the 2005 spring season. 3 years later, Romo was signed to the MLB.
Before his career at CMU, Hanks competed in the minor leagues for the Red Sox and Tigers. Hanks began coaching at what was then Mesa State College in 1993, after his career in the leagues. He was originally hired as the joint football and baseball coach.
“It probably took me my first seven years, maybe ten years, to really recognize the direct impact that I can have as a coach on young people, and the longer I do this, the younger they get in relation to me. And as time goes on, you become more mindful of the things you say and the things you do,” Hanks said.
During his 33 years coaching at CMU, Hanks developed the philosophy behind his coaching that focuses on the three I’s: impact, inspire, and improve.
On top of following his three I’s, Hanks added that “[o]ne of the things I always try to do is make my word be gold.”
Keeping his priorities straight and coaching philosophy in check, Hanks values the motive to always “do what you say you’re gonna do,” and to push athletes to become the ultimate version of themself.
Coach Hanks strives to seek the next level of impact and influence he can have on athletes. Rather than simply measuring his and other’s successes or seeking validation through the public. Hanks said that his success and fulfillment from coaching comes from the impact he has on his athletes. Treating all of his athletes with the same faith and morals as every other athlete he’s coached.
Hanks knows his impact will continue to not only improve his athletes but also inspire them to push forward.
