Outgoing Washington speech coach prepares for bittersweet change

Washington big group speech coach Audrey Skoog managed to stumble into the position when she came to the district three years ago.

“I did not do speech in high school,” Skoog said. “But when I was interviewing for the English position here, they brought up coaching opportunities, and me being a brand-new teacher and wanting to say yes to everything, I said, ‘Yeah, that sounds cool,’ and now I’m the speech coach and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Since then, Skoog said the position had changed her.

“With the pandemic and everything that’s been going on in the community, it’s all been a mess,” Skoog said. “Speech has always been that one thing that’s kind of been an anchor for me. I really don’t know how I would have gotten through the last few years if I didn’t have my speech kids.”

Now, as she prepares to leave the district, Skoog she had plenty of accomplishments to look back on.

“I do feel really proud of it,” she said. “My first year was crazy because I didn’t really know what I was doing, but we had two groups in large-group go to all-state for non-performing events. And last year was a feat because of COVID, we hosted our own virtual event … it was a pretty successful season just for the fact that we were able to do it.”

Skoog said it was an honor to work with so many talented students.

“I just love all the kids I get to work with,” she said. “They’re talented and they’re great kids, and it’s a safe space for everybody to be completely, uniquely, themselves.”

Unlike many extracurriculars, Skoog said speech coaching often boiled down to advice, rather than calling the shots for students.

“I give my suggestions, we run through things, we practice,” she said. “Ultimately it’s up to students if they want to take that suggestion and take that coaching and take that advice. Most of the times, they do.”

As she plans her move to Des Moines, Skoog said the change would be tough, even if it is the right time.

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” she said. “ I’m excited for this next step of my career and everything, but I’ve made some really good connections here in Washington that I’m really going to miss and have a hard time leaving.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com