.
For Kyle Brown, coaching is about more than winning games or medals. It is about shaping athletes into people who understand discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Entering his sixth year with West Haven, Kyle serves as the head coach for both the boys and girls cross country teams while also lending his experience as an assistant coach with the boys baseball program. Previously, he spent four years coaching soccer, making him a versatile leader who has worked across multiple sports in the community.
When asked what he hopes his athletes take away from their time in his program, Kyle does not hesitate. “Working hard and doing what is right for the team, not just yourself. Selflessness and discipline are the two big things I preach because of their application later in life,” he said. For him, these values go far beyond competition. They are the foundation for success in whatever comes next.
Kyle credits his coaching style to the lessons passed down by mentors who guided him along the way. “Pete Trenchard and Steve Carden have been huge mentors to me in West Haven. Growing up, I had some really tough coaches that turned me into who I am, and those two have helped me harness the lessons I learned into more meaningful experiences for the kids.” That balance between discipline and care has become a defining part of how he leads.
Reflecting on his career so far, two games in particular stand out. “Beating Mercy in girls soccer three years ago was definitely the best as a head coach. And the nine inning game we had against Enfield in the playoffs two years ago in baseball was a great win that sent us to the quarterfinals,” Kyle recalled. For him, these moments are reminders of the hard work and perseverance his teams put in.
As for what part of the season excites him most, Kyle looks toward the later stages of competition. “My favorite part of the season is always the second half, to compare how we started and see some of the things you work on constantly having enough time to develop and be utilized. I like seeing the growth of our athletes year to year and from beginning to end.” Watching his players evolve, he says, is the most rewarding part of coaching.
At the heart of his philosophy is a simple yet powerful approach: give everything you have and take lessons from every experience. “My coaching philosophy is to give 115 percent and ensure every player leaves with the lessons and discipline to thrive in the real world. Most athletes will not ever make money or go pro in their sport, but to this day, at least once a day, I use a lesson or teaching a coach once bestowed on me, and I hope to do the same for my players.”
Kyle’s outlook reminds his athletes that the scoreboard is not the only measure of success. It is the lessons in discipline, teamwork, and accountability that last long after their playing days are over. By creating an environment that values growth as much as performance, he ensures his players leave with the tools to be successful in whatever they pursue. Whether it is on the track, the field, or in life, Coach Brown’s dedication helps shape stronger athletes and, more importantly, stronger people.