I am a 3D Coach Now

Application 4

Rajesh Ananthraman, 3D Coach

Master of Science - Kinesiology (Coaching)

 Kins – 7135 - Sport Coaching Pedagogy (Fall 2025)

Dr Charles Wilson

 Nov 2025

WHY

My Transformational Purpose Statement is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects the foundation of why I coach - to help others grow beyond their performance and into their purpose. I have experienced firsthand the power of transformational coaching through mentors who cared more about who I was becoming than what I was achieving. This I realise now after becoming a 3D Coach myself. My high school Coach (late Mr R C Patel, a retired Airforce Sergeant) might have never known about 3D coaching but demonstrated this when he noticed, I was struggling off the field and took the time to build a relationship of trust rather than focusing solely on my performance. That experience had always made me feel that Coaching is not mere Skill Training but has more to it. I have realised and taught myself through 3D Institute the essence of coaching the 3rd Dimension. Addressing the skill, mind and heart/ spirit of an athlete. The balance, joy, family, and wisdom in my statement each represent a key element of my journey. Balance reminds me to align the Body (1st Dimension), Mind (2nd Dimension), and Heart (3rd Dimension); joy fuels the energy I bring to practice; family reminds me that teams thrive through authentic connection; and wisdom grounds every decision I make. Through this purpose, I hope to create an environment where athletes feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential, on and off the field.

How

Specific actions include:

• Incorporating regular “Why Circles” where athletes reflect on their deeper motivations and personal goals.

• Using positive coaching language that reinforces effort, character, and growth rather than only results.

• Building meaningful relationships through consistent one-on-one check-ins that address mental and emotional well-being.

• Encouraging family involvement by inviting parents to end-of-season celebrations and sharing progress updates that emphasize personal development.

• Modelling balance and self-care as a leader by prioritizing time for reflection, continued learning, and gratitude practices.

To hold myself accountable, I will establish both internal and external systems of reflection and feedback. Internally, I will conduct monthly self-assessments based on 3D Coaching evaluation tools, reviewing how effectively, I am serving each dimension of my athletes. Externally, I will seek feedback from assistant coaches, athletes, and mentors using the Inside-Out Coaching feedback model, ensuring my actions align with my transformational purpose rather than transactional goals. I will also schedule quarterly reviews of our team culture, asking athletes to share how they feel supported in their development as people, not just players. This ongoing reflection will keep me focused on the transformational purpose rather than the scoreboard, reminding me that my true measure of success is the growth and character of those I lead.

References: -

Jeff Duke, 3Dimensional Coaching: A Framework for Season and Life Transformation (3D Institute, 2013).

3D Institute. (n.d.). 3Dimensional Coaching Course for Sport Coaches. https://3dinstitute.com