Polgar, Susan 2011-06-17
Susan Polgar, director of the Susan Polgar Institute of Chess Excellence (SPICE) and the Head Coach of the Knight Raiders Chess Team, discusses her background, parents and entering the world of chess. In particular, she talks about her experience teaching chess, establishing SPICE – the institution’s goals and process of recruiting students, and key individuals in the establishment of SPICE
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Susan Polgar
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: June 17, 2011
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Daniel Sanchez
Length: 01:15:56
Abstract
Background, Birth details, Born and brought up in Budapest, Hungary, Moved to New York, Moved to Lubbock, Parents and their careers, Father’s theory of being genius, Entering world of chess, Won first tournament at age of 4, Siblings Judit and Sophia entering chess, Experience playing the match at 4, Motivation, International competition, Travel during games, Teaching Chess, Opened a chess school in 1996, Taught in school elementary section, Children who took chess classes performed better, Became advocate for chess education, Challenges faced, Goal to increase visibility for chess, Coming to Lubbock, Texas in 2005, Establishing SPICE, Getting an honorary doctorate, Giving the commencement speech, Handling setbacks in life, SPICE, Increasing visibility of program, Issues, Recruiting players, Contributions from donors, Organizing local events, Admitting students, Displaying the first SPICE cup to camera, Organizing highest rated events, Bringing in participants from different parts of the world, Texas Tech University, Listed names of key people who helped establish SPICE, Mentioned names of other people/organizations, Growth and strategy, The complexity of recruiting, Competitors, Role as the coach, Preparation of the game, Practice, Training videos, Studying games, Convincing players to join Tech, Maintaining reputation, Superstar joining in Fall 2011, Aiming for #1 rank in country, Qualities in a person who is getting recruited, Memorable moments, Spreading the live game to world via internet
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript: No transcript available
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