Crafting Champions: Unpacking the Tales of Award-Winning Campus Journalism Coaches

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School paper advisers play a crucial role in mentoring student journalists and fostering journalistic excellence. This study explores the lived experiences, mentoring strategies, and challenges of distinguished school paper advisers in the Sultan Kudarat Division. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research examines how these advisers contribute to the success of campus journalism through tailored coaching techniques, skill development strategies, and institutional support. Findings reveal that effective mentorship is rooted in a combination of technical expertise, personalized guidance, and a deep commitment to nurturing student journalists. Advisers employ various coaching methodologies, including strengths-based approaches, differentiated instruction, and real-world applications, to enhance students' journalistic skills. Moreover, the study highlights the significance of adaptability, innovation, and sustained institutional support in maintaining high-quality campus journalism programs. Recommendations include enhancing professional development programs for advisers, strengthening administrative support, integrating digital tools, and fostering mentorship networks. The findings contribute to the understanding of effective coaching practices in student journalism and inform future policies for improving campus press programs.