In softball, 70.3% of coaches are women, and 29.7% are men. Kaleo Chung is part of the 29.7% as the head softball coach for Rocky Mountain High School. Additionally, he serves as a science teacher, instructing sophomores in Earth System Sciences and upperclassmen in AP Physics 1 and 2.

He’s been coaching softball for 13 years and baseball for 22 years. As a teacher, he has been in the education field for 14 years now, starting in 2011. Since graduating with a master’s degree in teaching in 2012, he has enjoyed seeing kids work hard, because completing their goals makes him feel successful.

“Sports have always been big to me in my life, and helped me to be the person I am,” Coach Chung said. “It’s the only thing I can do to help kids reach their goals.”

Growing up, he played baseball with his friends since he was 3, and his dad was also a huge inspiration for him with coaching. He chose to be the head coach for softball because it is similar to baseball and he enjoys the game itself–and he said girls are more appreciative.

While he loves coaching, his passion lies with science–especially with physics, learning the fundamentals of the universe. At Rocky, he leads the Science Olympiad, which specializes in teaching high school students different ways the world works through science. They get better each year and the group hopes to get a state win this year!.

“I try to show up to most events. I participate as a coach in softball, baseball, and Science Olympiad. I try to give back as much as I can.”

Chung likes it when kids go far in life, doing the things they love and want to do, and he wants to be a helping hand as much as possible.

As a Rocky alum, Chung knows a thing or two about the Lobo Way. At Rocky, there are different “pack principles.” Respect is one that Chung favors because it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates an inclusive environment.

Teaching can be fulfilling, but it is not without its challenges. Also, certain times of the day can also be challenging–morning students have less energy than afternoon students.

“Challenges with teaching are working with other people because everybody has something going on in their lives that you don’t know about.”

Something he does as an educator is to treat his students and even his teams as adults–giving them responsibility for their mistakes and their successes.

“He gives me enough time and choices to make the right decisions,” senior Abigail Hernandez said.

One of the reasons he wanted to become a teacher and coach was to help kids get better in sports and in life. He said he would like to be the one pushing them to be their best selves.

Chung learned that being hands-on is the best way to motivate students to learn or work on assignments and he looks forward to helping students succeed for many years to come!

“[My]Advice for kids is to treat others the way you want to be treated, because when you grow up, you don’t know who’s going to be your friends, so be kind to each other…Don’t be afraid of holding kids accountable and to high standards; they will amaze you.”