[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Do you have an adult coach or a student coach? Our coach this year is an engineer who was a mentor on the team, and who participated on a FIRST team in high school. I do not know if he had drive team experience. Our coach last year was a college student, and the year before.

Why? Just like choosing an able-bodied driver is a very important process, choosing a coach is equally important. A good coach has spent lots of time in the shop over the course of the build season, and has thus formed bonds with the other "live-ins" who become drivers. This year, our coach Joe was a crucial advisor and became coach due to his excellent ability to be decisive and his good understanding of the game, among other things. He gets along very well with students, so the age gap (not that big in the first place) isn't a huge deal.

Do you feel it increases your ranking, winning, and success in matches?
I don't think the age of a coach has that much bearing. It's the ability that counts.

Do you feel it enhances your team as a whole?
There's a bond within the drive team that is very noticeable - our coach not being of high school age doesn't change that bond. He's a good guy with an interesting personality - so yes, a get-along-well drive team enhances team performance and attitude.

What downsides are there?
I don't think there are downsides. The only downside I can see with a college student mentor is the common coincedence of semester exams and Championship dates.