Jon Lambert

Coach Profile: Tilah Young

2/10/2021 1:37:00 PM

By: Norman Yacko

Every Wednesday, TCNJ Athletics will profile a coach from one of its programs. Today, it's Tilah Young of the track and field team. She is entering his third year at TCNJ and is primarily a throws coach.

You are now entering your third season at TCNJ as an assistant coach. What initially drew you to the college and what has made you continue to come back?

When I first learned of the coaching opportunity at TCNJ I was excited because I had such a high level of respect for the program's success. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that success and that I could contribute to that legacy by rebuilding the throws program as a conference and regional threat. After spending just a few hours on campus and meeting the team, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. Today, our team is like a family, grounded in the common goal to be the best versions of ourselves and this is what motivates me to return every year.

What is it about TCNJ that sets itself apart from other colleges and athletic programs?

What sets TCNJ apart from other programs, very simply put, are our athletes. If you can find a stronger community of athletes, filled with more commitment to the classroom and equal accountability to their sport, good luck!

As a throws coach, your first season concluded with Angela Rambert earning NJAC Outstanding Field Athlete honors. How do you build off that success?

When Angela Rambert earned the NJAC Field Athlete honors, that was one of the most exciting moments I've experienced as a coach here at TCNJ. As a throws program, we've come a long way in my short term as coach and this is just one example of the many accomplishments our throws team has achieved. Every year we look to improve, and our ultimate goal as a team is to be one of the top ranked throws programs in the nation. We have so much more to accomplish, and I am eager to showcase all of the talent that our small group holds once we return this Spring.

What are some of the top memories and moments from your coaching career?

I have many memorable moments from coaching at TCNJ, but if I had to choose my top moment it would have to be during the 2019 Spring Outdoor Track and Field Conference Championships. The women's javelin team finished first, second, third, and fifth and completely dominated the event.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your coaching career?

The covid-19 pandemic has been the biggest challenge in my coaching career. As a former collegiate athlete, I remember how important the season was to me and my peers and my heart goes out all of the athletes missed those final opportunities because of such an unfortunate event in history.

Who are some of the people that have helped you the most in your career?

Head Track and Field Coach Justin Lindsey has been a huge mentor in my development as a coach. Coach Lindsey allows me the freedom to make the best decisions in the development of our athletes while providing me the support to improve my knowledge and network. I would also like to note that my former collegiate coach, Abraham Flores, is who inspired me to first start coaching. Coach Flores was such a pivotable mentor in my development that he inspired me to want to do the same for others.

Outside of coaching, what would people find interesting about your day-to-day life?

When I am coaching, my style is very intense, high energy, and at sometimes very animated and over the top. However, I think my athletes would be surprised to know that in my day to day life I'm actually quite mellow and spend most of my time watching sports, traveling to new cities, and spending valuable time with family and friends.

Is there anything you would like to say to all of the student-athletes that you have coached?

If I could say one thing to all of my previously coached athletes it would be, "thank you setting the foundation for our team, it's only up from here."

Extra Point – Question posed by last week's coach profile, Connor Gammond - If you could live anywhere else in the world outside of the United States, where would it be?

If I could live anywhere else in the world, I would live in a beautiful waterfront home in Fiji. Hopefully one day I can go and visit. From what I've seen it looks like such a beautiful place to live.

Pose a question you would like to hear answered by our next coach.

If you could be on the sideline at any major or elite sports competition, during any period of time, where would you be?

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