The Inspiring Path of a Construction Project Manager Turned Track Coach
Bridgett Redding, Assistant Project Manager at Coakley & Williams Construction. Now hiring: See open positions.
From Hard Hat to Paved Track
Sometimes our career paths challenge our preconceived notions and push us to explore new horizons. Such was the case for Bridgett Redding, a dedicated CWC Assistant Project Manager who found herself immersed in the world of track while overseeing the construction of Madeira School’s new STEAM building. Madeira School, nestled in the groves of Georgetown Pike in McLean, Virginia, is an all-girls private 9th-12th grade college prep school, ranked #1 Best Boarding School. Little did Bridgett know that this ambitious school project would not only shape the physical infrastructure, but also transform her own life as she firmly established her passion for coaching track and field.
“As construction was beginning, Ms. Redding shared the process with the Architecture class at Girls First summer camp. Once the school year began, she shared Engineering lessons with our science students.” (Source: Madeira School News Post)
Foundations of Change
Bridgett embarked on a remarkable journey when she was assigned the task of overseeing the construction of the building in her DMV community (Watch: Timelapse). As she coordinated the construction crews, managed the budget, and ensured the project's success, she couldn't help but notice the students' energy and enthusiasm at the construction site. Their presence ignited a spark within Bridgett, leading her to ponder the possibility of utilizing her track skills from when she ran track at UMBC while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Master’s in Engineering Management. She could use her knowledge of track to coach these girls in the same sport.
“We love to bring the real-world into our classrooms. Our Coakley & Williams Construction partners have helped us do just that. They have joined our classes to share what it takes to design and build a building. Bridgett Redding, the Assistant Project Manager, enthusiastically shared her expertise with Madeira students and summer campers.”
Bridgett enjoyed showing the Madeira School students how their new STEAM building was being built and explaining her role in project management.
Building More Than Walls
Bridgett regularly provided learning opportunities to the Madeira students & summer camps while building the new STEAM structure. She remained actively engaged in teaching the girls about STEAM career opportunities and different areas of expertise. During a routine day on site, Bridgett had a fortuitous meeting with a group of local track and field athlete students who had been practicing on the outskirts of the construction site. Intrigued by their commitment and talent, Bridgett struck up a conversation with Madeira School’s Chief Financial And Operations Officer, Alex Heiberger, who happened to be looking for a new track coach, and the idea began to take shape in Bridgett's mind.
Track coach Bridgett Redding with Madeira School student track & field athletes.
Full STEAM Ahead
As the school's new STEAM building construction progressed (Read: Full STEAM Ahead article by Madeira School), Bridgett made a bold proposal to the school administration: to establish herself as the track and field coach while working on the school’s physical completion. She emphasized the benefits of providing students with a structured athletic outlet, fostering teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. Her vision resonated with the administration, who agreed to allocate resources and support her coaching initiative.
With the construction approaching substantial completion, Bridgett immersed herself in learning the ins and outs of track and field coaching by studying the intricacies of training techniques. She found herself relishing this newfound role, where she could help young girls unlock their athletic potential.
Bridgett sporting her ‘Build Strength’ t-shirt while running track in support of the JDRF Real Estate Games to raise funds for Type 1 Diabetes awareness, for which she has been the CWC team captain 2-years in a row.
Racing to the Finish Line, On Site and On Track
As Madeira School’s cross country Fall season and track Spring season passed, Bridgett witnessed her student-athletes grow as athletes and also as individuals. She saw them develop discipline, perseverance, and a sense of camaraderie. The team began achieving notable successes, which validated Bridgett's decision and also provided her athletes with a newfound confidence and a belief in their own abilities. The construction project manager turned track coach has left a lasting mark, not only on the school's physical infrastructure but also on the lives of several young athletes who found their passion and purpose on the track. The biggest takeaway she wants to leave for the students she has impacted is to pursue their interests in STEAM as well as their athletic passions: “Get internships, like the ones we have at CWC. Get experience and test the waters of different areas of study. The possibilities are endless.”
Madeira School’s STEAM Building
The Madeira School recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new STEAM Academic Center, a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary building that houses a Robotics Lab, Makers Space, and much more.