Terry McNabb, a highly regarded figure in Principia School Athletics, currently holds the position of Head Tennis Coach at Principia High School. With an impressive 14-year tenure in coaching tennis and an additional 5 years in coaching basketball, Coach McNabb brings a wealth of expertise to the court. Armed with a degree in Mathematics, his coaching journey commenced after a successful career in business. Initially appointed as the head Basketball Coach at Principia College in 1978-1979, he later transitioned to coaching at the Upper School post-retirement.
Coach McNabb's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that coaching is a progression—a methodical journey guiding athletes toward improvement. He meticulously breaks down skills into essential components, cultivates a secure environment, and provides a platform for athletes to nurture their intrinsic motivation. For him, love forms the fundamental core value, laying the groundwork for persistence, willingness, and dedicated effort. What sets Coach McNabb apart is his emphasis on crafting an environment where athletes articulate their own motivation, fostering a sense of self-demand for excellence.
The choice of Principia as his coaching home signifies Coach McNabb's admiration for the school's model of perceiving everyone limitlessly. As he coaches high school boys and girls, he views it as a privilege to instill qualities such as persistence, willingness, and love in both athletes and coaches. Beyond coaching, Coach McNabb's diverse interests span from engaging in music, mountaineering, and motorcycle racing to playing tennis, pickleball, and ping pong. His multifaceted life experiences contribute to the rich tapestry of his coaching philosophy and impact on students.
