About Coach Eric

GETTING TO KNOW COACH ERIC:

Tell us about yourself:
Hello Students, Parents, Techers & Staff! My name is Eric Verdi, and I was born and raised on Long Island, NY. I attended Utah Tech University, then transferred to University of Utah where I received my Bachelor of Science in Communications. I am newly married (October 2022) to my wife Emily, who is an elementary school social worker. I played hockey for 15 years and moved onto coaching a successful hockey team here in Utah, The Utah Outliers Jr. Ice Hockey Club. My passion for coaching helped me discover my love for teaching the importance of staying active, my love for sports and support of young people in being successful now and in the future. My philosophy is about hard work and growth. Students do not have to be the best, but they have to try their best and put in the effort.

If you could have lunch with 1 person dead or alive, who would that be and why?

If I could have lunch with 1 person, it would be Will Ferrell (love comedies)

What book have you read that changed you and why?

Outliers written by Malcolm Gladwell. Being a coach for the Utah Outliers for four years, this book is what the team is built upon. This book is all about individuals who do things that go beyond the realm of the ordinary.

What is your favorite thing about teaching or working with young people?

I love the way children see the world, I love their honesty, discovery moments, curiosity, and willingness to be vulnerable and open.

How would a friend describe you in three words?

Energetic, Humorous and Compassionate

If you had to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?

Clifford the big red dog

When are you most yourself?

When I’m at the hockey rink or with my wife and dog!

What could you spend all day talking about?

I have a passion for Sports, I could talk about hockey, baseball, football, basketball, pickleball and golf all day. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Catch up on all things going on in the sports world.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

DEGREE:

• Bachelor of Science Communication from the University of Utah (Go Utes!)

• Associate Educators License (APPEL)