When his kids were in Madison Little League (MLL), Michael Phelan was given an opportunity to coach and found that he enjoyed working with the town’s up-and-coming ballplayers. Michael has now been coaching in MLL for the past six years and continues to help Madison’s youngsters realize their potential both on and off the diamond.

When his son Julius was playing tee-ball, Michael was encouraged to coach by Tom Fahy, a fellow coach in MLL. Michael didn’t have much experience coaching, but decided to give it a shot. Michael began coaching baseball at the eight-year-old level in MLL during the fall of 2017. Fahy guided Michael and showed him how to lead at the youth level. It was a bit of an adjustment, but over time, Michael learned how to communicate with and relate to the players that he was now coaching.

“It was a big learning curve. Even if you know the sport, coaching is something entirely different. How do you talk to eight-year-old kids, how do you keep them focused? It was challenging,” says Michael. “Year over year, it got better and better. You saw what worked well and what didn’t. It blossomed from there.”

After coaching baseball for two years, Michael moved over to softball to coach his daughter Danielle. He has now been coaching softball in the MLL since the fall of 2019. Danielle aged out of MLL last spring, but Michael wanted to continue. This past season, he served as the head coach of the Madison Black Minors team. Michael liked his newfound role and, even with his kids no longer competing, he still felt happy to give back as a coach.

“Last spring was my daughter’s last season of Madison Little League. I really wanted to continue. It was a real passion for me and a joy,” Michael says. “I talked to Madison Little League and said, ‘If you’re looking for a coach or a manager for whichever sport.’ I was really interested in continuing going with it.”

Michael, a Madison resident, grew up playing in the MLL after moving to the town when he was five. His father Charles served as one of his coaches. Michael also played youth basketball and then wrestled during his time at Daniel Hand High School before graduating in 2000.

Michael remembers some seasons where he didn’t get the most out of the experience during his time playing youth sports. When it was time to be a coach, Michael wanted to make sure that every player took something away each year. Michael understood that it’s not always about wins and losses at the youth level and was more focused on the growth of his athletes both on and off the field.

“It’s not just about competition. It’s about working with kids. I remember in youth sports there were times I had a great time and times it wasn’t as rewarding of a season,” says Michael. “It was one thing that stuck with me. I wanted to give every kid an opportunity. At the ages 8 to 12, I don’t think anyone is a professional athlete. There’s a lot of potential the coaches can bring out of the kids.”

Along with baseball and softball, Michael is also a coach with Madison Youth Soccer in the 13-15 age range. No matter what sport he’s coaching, Michael’s goal is for every player to reach their full potential. Michael works in the power generation industry, typically out of Bridgeport. Michael says that coaching at the youth level has taught him team-building and communication skills that he now uses in his professional life.

“It has been very rewarding. I wouldn’t continue to do it if my kid wasn’t in it at the softball level if I didn’t have a passion for it,” Michael says. “There’s something about working with youth and being able to talk to them. It’s not just about creating a winning team. It’s about taking that potential and turning it into something. They feel comfortable talking to you. I enjoy that, and it has helped me in my professional life.”

An open dialogue is one of the main things that Michael promotes when he’s coaching. Michael wants to create a safe environment where his players feel comfortable speaking with him and his fellow coaches. If someone is in their first year in the program, Michael wants them to feel welcomed and be prepared to become both a stronger player and person.

“I really want to talk to the players. We want to teach the game. I promote open dialogue. If you’re not comfortable with something, let me know. If there’s something you want to improve upon yourself, let me know,” says Michael. “If you’re not comfortable with our coaching style or don’t understand something, speak up. I want them to feel comfortable and safe, and I want them to have a good time.”

Jay Ulstad is the vice president of MLL. After watching Michael coach, Ulstad has seen that he has strong leadership qualities and is a beneficial addition to the MLL coaching ranks.

“Coach Phelan’s dedication to Madison Little League softball, his passion, and his willingness to listen to different points-of-view separate him from other coaches,” Ulstad says. “Coaches, players, and the Madison Little League softball program benefit from Coach Phelan’s leadership and example.”

Michael realizes that many of his players compete in other sports or participate in academic programs outside of softball. Of course, Michael wants them to improve their skills on the field, but he also strives to ensure that they learn lessons they can take into their everyday lives. Michael’s time as a coach has allowed him to mentor numerous players, and he feels extremely grateful to have that opportunity.

“It has given me the opportunity to improve upon the things I think can go better. You want the kids to grow and to learn. Not just in sports,” says Michael. “You want to encourage them for other parts of their lives. It’s too early to make a career out of a specific sport. Being able to be in the kids’ lives and have an impact has been great for me.”