Forest, city, or beach?
“I’d choose the beach because I love the calming sound of the waves and the open space to relax. There’s nothing like being by the water to unwind, and it also reminds me of Somalia.”
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
“Honestly, if I could go anywhere right now, it would be back home to Somalia. I enjoy being with my family and friends here, but there’s nothing quite like being in Somalia, surrounded by all my family members. There’s a special feeling of connection and belonging that I really miss, even though I was just there about a month ago.”
What was your favorite school subject and why?
“My favorite subject in school was mathematics, mainly because I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers. When I first came to the United States and didn’t speak English, math was the one subject where language didn’t hold me back. It was universal, and I could understand it even without speaking the language well. That gave me confidence, and it was the class where I could consistently get decent grades.”
What is your favorite thing about coaching?
“My favorite part about coaching soccer is seeing the growth in my players, both on and off the field. Watching them develop their skills, gain confidence and improve as athletes is incredibly rewarding. I also love helping them become the best version of themselves, inspiring them to become better leaders in their lives and communities. But beyond that, it’s the relationships we build that mean the most to me. The bonds formed during practices, games and even tough moments last long after the season ends. It’s about creating a positive impact on their lives and knowing those connections will stay with them as they move forward, not just as athletes, but as individuals and future leaders.”
How has coaching impacted your personality?
“Coaching has significantly shaped my personality by teaching me patience, empathy and leadership. Working with young athletes requires understanding their individual challenges and motivations, which has made me more compassionate and supportive. It has also strengthened my communication skills, as I need to convey strategies and feedback effectively. Additionally, coaching has instilled a sense of responsibility in me, as I realize the influence I have on my players’ lives, both on and off the field. Overall, it has made me more resilient and adaptable, qualities that I carry into all areas of my life.”
What is your favorite moment as a coach?
“I haven’t really thought much about my proudest coaching moment, but as of now, it would have to be when my BFC U16 girls won their league last spring. Going into the season, many of the players doubted themselves and didn’t even imagine becoming champions. But as they played more games together—training through the long, cold Vermont winter and into the short spring season—they began to trust each other and play for one another. By the end of the season, they were on top, and they truly deserved it. As a coach, that’s been my proudest moment so far, but I’m proud of every single one of those players.”
What surprised you the most about coaching?
“What surprised me most about coaching at Burlington high school is the students’ resilience and determination. Even while adjusting to a new building as we wait for our school’s construction to be completed, they face many challenges but stay committed to improving and working as a team. I’ve also been impressed by the strong community support and the diversity of the students. I’m especially grateful for the support from Head of Athletics – District Coordinator Quaron Pinckney, the parents, and Jeff Heyes. From the very beginning, Quaron has trusted us and consistently provided positive feedback. He’s given us, as a young and new coaching team, the chance to prove ourselves. Their belief in us has been key to helping us build this program and develop our athletes, both on and off the field.”
Why did you choose to coach at BHS?
“I didn’t necessarily set out to coach at Burlington High School initially, but when I saw the position was open, I was excited and applied. The main reason I went for it is because Burlington High is the school I attended when my family and I first moved to Vermont. This school and its community welcomed me, shaped me, and helped me become the person I am today. Being able to give back to the place that had such a significant impact on my life felt like the right thing to do.”
What makes a good athlete a great one?
“In my opinion, the difference between a good athlete and a great athlete comes down to the effort they put in beyond just their performance on the field. A great athlete is someone who excels not only in their sport but also in their academics, nutrition and overall self-care. A gifted athlete who neglects their body, training, or studies, thinking their talent alone will carry them, won’t reach the same level as someone who puts equal effort into all areas of their life. The truly great athletes are the ones who take care of their body, mind and schoolwork, and who also give back to their community.”
Can you share a story about how you overcame adversity?
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was when I first moved to Vermont from Somalia. I didn’t know the language, and the cultural differences made it tough to fit in. My writing was particularly difficult because of the style difference between Somali and English. But the teachers at Burlington High School were incredibly supportive. I remember being hungry to improve every time I got a bad grade in writing. One moment that stands out was when I received feedback on an assignment that made me cry. After getting a good grade, my teacher left me a personal note that said something like, “‘Mukhtar, this is an exceptional paper. I’m incredibly proud of the progress you’ve made. To see how far you’ve come in just three years is truly remarkable. Your writing has transformed in ways that reflect not only your hard work, but also your deep understanding and growth. This paper was the highlight of my weekend, and I know you’re only going to continue to get better. Never stop striving for excellence—you have so much potential.’”
