Michael Llauget worked toward his desire to play sports in college for his whole life, only for it all to be thrown away in one quick moment, due to a career-ending injury. From there, he switched his focus from playing to coaching. Now a teacher at West Essex for 12 years, he said he wants to share his story and help young athletes find their love in sports as he did.
“I love being around kids–it’s a fun give-and-take type of relationship,” Llauget said. “I enjoy being able to coach and mold my boys into becoming better people and doing the right things when they’re older.”
Born and raised in Bergen County, Llauget was a naturally gifted athlete, quickly learning the ropes in baseball, football, and basketball. His commitment led him to a full scholarship offer from Hofstra University to play D1-AA football with the promise that he would also join the baseball team. Unfortunately, the scholarship fell through as his football coach worried Llauget’s passion for baseball would interfere with spring football events, Llauget said. He later transferred to Montclair State, where another opportunity arose to play both sports. But during his baseball season there, a severe shoulder injury that required rotator cuff surgery impacted his throw. Llauget tried his best to catch up, he said, but reality set in, and he realized he needed to switch his focus to becoming a coach.
“Because my college career did not turn out how I expected it to, I use that as a chip on my shoulder now,” Llauget said. “That’s what drives me to be the best coach I can be, putting in the hours, making sure I’m up to date on X’s and O’s.”
Llauget finished his college career confident that he was going to impact youth athletes with his major in health and physical education for grades K-12. When starting his career as an assistant coach, Llauget strived to build strong bonds with his players by creating a safe space where they were able to work through difficult times. Today, Llauget is a successful coach and teacher at West Essex, where he coaches boys’ varsity basketball, varsity football, and middle school boys’ baseball. He tries to be very understanding and assures his players that he is there for them at all times.
“As far as the mental side, I talk about that with them,” Llauget said. “I encourage them and let them know the things that they need to do, the mindset they should have. I tell them, ‘If you need to talk to me about it– I’m here.’”
Llauget said for him, the best way to maintain a strong relationship with his players was to become a P.E. teacher, where he not only gets to see his players throughout the day but also gets to be a motivator for his students. He preaches the importance of taking a few minutes each day to exercise and focus on yourself. While teaching his students about the fundamentals of growing up through health class, Llauget aims to be a role model.
“I hope that my players enjoy playing for me because they love what they do, and they want to do well at it,” Llauget said. “I hope to have a positive influence on the students. I hope that I’m somebody that they can think back upon.”
