As a Physical Education teacher, JV girls’ soccer/ softball coach, Daisy Guitron aka “Ms. G” has become a pillar of support, leadership, and encouragement for her students and athletes. Guitron is known for her positive energy and commitment to her students, building a reputation as a role model for young women striving for both personal growth and athletic success here at Ridgeview. And through her dedication, Guitron is not just shaping athletes, but shaping the next generation of confident, resilient leaders.
The start of Guitron’s journey into coaching and teaching physical education takes her back to her love for sports. “I knew I wanted to do something that involved sports,” she says. Initially Guitron was torn between athletic training and physical therapy, eventually choosing physical therapy but soon realized the extensive schooling required wasn’t the path she wanted for herself. “My sister, being a Spanish teacher, influenced me to be a P.E. teacher,” states Guitron, and soon after began her journey as a teacher with the influence of her sister that would eventually lead her to coaching.
Those that know Guitron very well are aware of her competitive nature when it comes to sports, which is a challenge for Guitron when she is in coach mode. “I always want to win, so I ask for us to win at every cost…I’ve asked the girl’s to toe kick before which is a bad technique, but if that is the difference between scoring and not scoring then I will take it,” says Guitron when describing a game situation while coaching soccer. Despite the challenges of being a coach, Guitron’s experience as an athlete creates an understanding connection between her and her teams. “I played soccer for two years at Taft college and stopped after my second ACL reconstructive surgery,” says Guitron, being a crucial part of how she leads her teams since she has experienced what it is to be as a student athlete and experiencing hardships during the season. But, Guitron’s priority isn’t just being a soccer or softball coach but a teacher as well. “I try to give my seventh period more love in simple ways like giving everyone a high five/fist pump, and I spend a bit more time catching up with them..” she says. “Definitely in my opinion, building relationships is the most important teaching strategy.”
Guitron’s commitment to both her student’s and her athletes is a testament to the power of positive mentorship, and through her work as a teacher and coach, she builds skills that help develop young women be ready for the world and her message to them is clear, “Don’t be afraid and try your best, failing is a part of the learning process”.
