Sebastian, you have already completed your first step as U18 women’s national coach, and the second is just around the corner – perhaps you can tell us a little about how you started in your new position.
Sebastian Jones: "The first measure went very well - we achieved what we had planned as a coaching team and the goals we had set ourselves. I felt very comfortable in my new role. I was very happy beforehand that the work with the players was "finally" starting - that's what I like doing. We were all a bit nervous at the beginning, but that quickly subsided and we then spent a few instructive days together in Füssen. I was able to gain some insight into the general processes, and we will adapt one or two things for the next course. When we play our first tournament together, fortunately I don't have to start from scratch - I was already able to gain experience in this regard when I was there as an assistant coach last season."
It’s still early in the season – but what insights have you already gained about the team?
Sebastian Jones: "We definitely gained some insights into each of our players. I saw some of them live for the first time and not just on the screen. We nominated a very large squad for our first event and it was nice to see that we have a fairly balanced performance density. We have a stable base and the players already have good basic training. This has improved over the last few years, which shows us that good work is being done in the clubs."
What insights have you gained about yourself as a trainer?
Sebastian Jones: "I don't know if I can say it like that here (laughs) - I realized that I actually prefer working with the players on the ice rather than sitting at a desk. And my feeling that I'm in the right place here has been completely confirmed. The work in general, the work with the players and the exchange with my coaching team - it all feels good and I really enjoy it. The players also enjoyed the last session and that was a positive experience for the whole coaching team. Despite the hard work, the team pulled together in an exemplary manner and always enjoyed being on the ice, and that's how you achieve positive changes."
How would you describe yourself as a trainer type or what training style do you follow?
Sebastian Jones: "I have learned a lot since I started as the U18 women's national coach. I think the most important thing for me is that we as a coaching team always keep in mind that the players are the most important thing. We always try to do everything with the idea that it is the best for the players and that we help them to develop further."
Are there any coaches from your own active time who influenced you in your current work?
Sebastian Jones: "I actually believe that you can always learn something from every coach you had as a player or with whom you work now. But I can't and don't want to be like coach XY, I am me. As a coach you shouldn't try to copy someone you like, you should stay true to yourself and be authentic. That is extremely important so that you remain credible to the person you are dealing with."
Who do you call if you need a second opinion?
Sebastian Jones: "We are a large coaching team and are in constant communication - especially with the coaches of the other national teams. We all agreed from the beginning to give each other open feedback and to support each other. It is a very close collaboration and everyone can openly express their opinion."
What are your next goals with the U18 women’s national team?
Sebastian Jones: "We were able to get a good overview at the last training course and started to work on a few small things, both on and off the ice. We will now continue to develop these and other topics in the upcoming course. The players all received individual feedback so that they know what they should work on in particular."
What medium and long-term goals have you set?
Sebastian Jones: "Our task with the U18 women's national team is to shorten the path to Jeff, i.e. to the A-women, as much as possible. The goal is that we manage to develop the players from the U18 squad in the medium term and give them the relevant things so that one day they can make the step to the women's national team. For me as a coach, however, the fact that the player is the focus should never be neglected."
You spend a lot of time on the ice with your team during these measures – do you do a lot of sport in your free time so that you can keep up with the players?
Sebastian Jones: "What kind of free time do I have? (laughs) I do a bit of everything, but apart from going to the gym, nothing really regularly. Last year I played two or three times in a hobby ice hockey league as part of the Crimmitschau coaching/support team. Otherwise, I get on my bike every now and then and explore the area. Doing a bit of sport is important to me and, above all, it's a good balance to everyday life."