During the last years, the interest in studying the excellent coach has increased (Jones et al., 2002). Janssen & Dale (2002) and Orlick (2008) talk about some interesting topics, even though they deserve further research. This way, it becomes urgent to further investigate this issue, so that it becomes possible to gather more data concerning the coach`s interpretation of his own professional experience, the principles which guide his actions and the meaning of his behaviors (Jones, 2007; Jones et al., 2003). The aim of this study was to identify the values and the references that guide Professor Percy Oncken, a Brazilian volleyball coach and winner of various world-wide championships, in his work. Methods The research technique used was`life stories`(Tierney, 2000). The data was collected by carrying out in-depth interviews and non-participative observation. The technique used for data analysis was content analysis (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). The computer programme of qualitative data analysis QSR NVivo 7 was used in coding the transcripts of the interviews. Results and Discussion Among the concerns that have followed his life-long career, we can highlight his great passion for his profession, respect for athletes and determination when facing difficulties. In terms of ambitions, we can point out the will to do his best every day and to one day train senior athletes. He regards difficulties that arise as being indispensable to a process of perfection. Having deprived his family of his attention is what has distressed him the most. The most important moments of his career were when he achieved good results and the ones that generate more suffering are those when he dismisses players from the national team. In terms of his social intervention, he is concerned with permanently carrying out his work with great quality and fully developing athletes. References Janssen, J. & Dale, G. (2002). The seven secrets of successful coaches. Tucson, AZ: The Mental Game. Jones, R. (2007). Coaching redefined: an everyday pedagogical endeavour. Sport, Education and Society, Vol. 12, nº 2, May, pp. 159-173. Jones, R.; Armour, K. & Potrac, P. (2003) Constructing expert knowledge: a case study of a top-level professional soccer coach. Sport, Education and Society, Volume 8, Issue 2, October, p. 213-229. Orlick, T. (2008). In pursuit of excellence (4th Edition). U.K. Human Kinetics. Potrac, P.; Jones, R. & Armour, K. (2002). `It`s all about getting respect`: the coaching behaviors of an expert english soccer coach. Sport, Education and Society, Vol. 7, Nº 2, pp. 183-202. Strauss, A. & Corbin, J. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (second edition). London: Sage Publications. Tierney, W. (2000). Undaunted courage: life history and the postmodern challenge. In: Denzin, N. & Lincon, Y. (Eds), Handbook of Qualitative Research (2nd ed.) (pp. 537-553). London: Sage Publications.
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