Michael Colucci works at Pahrump Valley High School as an athletics coach. Colucci is a weights coach, meaning he helps young athletes build stronger muscles and increase their endorphin levels. Not only is he a weights coach, but he also serves as a defensive coordinator for football and a boys junior varsity head coach for wrestling.
When Colucci was asked what the balance is between teaching, grading, and coaching, he said, “For my job, I feel as if it’s all the same; I would call it educational athletics.”
Colucci usually has a meeting every day throughout the week, and he arrives at school at around 7:00 AM because contract hours are at 7:10. He usually consumes caffeine until noon, nothing later. He moves around quite often, such as working out whenever he gets the chance in the weight room. Colucci stated, “Eating right, working out often, hydrating, and getting at least 8-10 hours of sleep helps me maintain my energy throughout the day.”
Colucci’s teaching philosophy emphasizes his simplicity, setting examples, and having high expectations for every single one of his students. He believes that what he teaches is centrally surrounded by athletics. By coaching, he is contributing to society by imparting principles to his athletes so that they can use them in their everyday lives. Colucci is dedicated to shaping these individuals into well-rounded people, especially by teaching them the importance of discipline and teamwork
People would say he is very stern, especially after a loss, but overall, he believes in determination. Colucci stated, “When I was young, I treated every loss as a learning experience, and the next day I would just work even harder than I did the day before because losing doesn’t always have to be a tough loss.” He is the type of person who is devoted to motivating his athletes to work harder. He is very stern about not letting external things get to him because he believes that there is no failure; you either win or learn.
Colucci’s school day typically ends after football practice at 5 PM. He and his wife don’t have kids, so he usually gets to go home and have some downtime. In the kitchen, Colucci and his wife enjoy preparing dinner for each other. Recently, he has developed a fondness for a decaf pumpkin spice latte, so every evening, he treats himself to a delightful little dessert.
Overall, Michael Colucci is a powerful figure at Pahrump Valley High School. He cares deeply for the development of every one of his athletes. His dedication shows how much he is committed to nurturing athletic skills. Not only does he coach these young athletes, but he also leaves them with valuable life lessons that go beyond a game; he teaches them the importance of teamwork because no matter where something takes you, a team will always be by your side. So, if you see Colucci, stop and talk to him and praise him for the long-term efforts he has made towards PVHS.
