Back in 2009 I did a tour/sabbatical giving me the chance to watch 17 college practices in just a 10 day span covering Wisconsin over to Ohio and down to Kentucky. Along the way I had the chance to see both BCS and Mid-major programs in a practice setting. As I enter my 21st year in women’s basketball I still truly enjoy learning new ideas, approaches and terminology in teaching the basics of our sport. This month I found my way down to the Southeast region to do the same thing once again. The following are a few notes from my travels that I wanted to share with the folks taking in the coverage on Blue Star Media.
My trip began in the Sunshine State with stops at Florida Gulf Coast and the University of Miami. These Two programs have found steady success, but play with two contradicting styles. FGCU’s Karl Smesko is continuing to grow his reputation within the WBCA community of being a high basketball IQ guy, and he didn’t disappoint on the court the day I was in the gym. I had a nice surprise in getting to see former UConn player Mel Thomas on his staff. I actually tried recruiting her in the early stages of her high school career before the ‘big dogs’ came calling. Katie Meier is back from her successful USA Basketball U19 stint of the past summer and her and the Hurricane’s staff demonstrated plenty of enthusiasm in their teaching that lasted from start to finish. Luckily I had a little extra time and enjoyed talking about the game, systems and leadership with Katie who has a Blue Star history dating back to her days as a player.
I then headed north making stops in ACC territory by checking in with North Carolina State and Wake Forest. These two programs are in the early transition stages of new leadership and exhibit lots of hopeful energy. Wes Moore took over the Wolfpack after a long, successful tenure at Tennessee Chattanooga. His excitement about this new career challenge was nearly the same as the glow he has over the impressive new additions slated for their facilities. Returning to her alma mater, the Demon Deacon’s Jen Hoover is in year two and the shift in culture is obvious. The energy and effort are contagious!
The next day, following limited sleep, I was able to pull off the Mid-Major trifecta of Charlotte, Winthrop, and Davidson. Getting to catch up with Cara Consuegra and Karen Lange at Charlotte and share some old laughs was a great way to start day two in Carolina. I then headed to Winthrop where I had the chance to catch up with Assistant Coach Matt Huddleston, former long time travel team coach for the Georgia Metros. He finally could relate an observation of mine that until you get to walk the path of a college coach you really don’t realize the stresses, time commitment, and life changes that come with that career choice.
His youthful passions are still there. We discussed development of his craft and I love that he still wants to learn from anyone who might be willing to share. His Head Coach Kevin Cook has quickly had an impact on the Eagles program and the bar has been raised for expectations as well as play. My third stop was back up at Davidson with the Cats who have built a solid program under Michele Savage’s watch. After graduating a large senior class, a new regime will be taking the court this season. Assistant Kira Mowen played at the University of Illinois during my time there. She had always said that she wanted to be a college coach and is now in the third stop of her coaching career. I made sure to share with her my pride in seeing her pursue and achieve her dream.
As I wrapped up the first half of my trip at Georgia State University, I had the chance to see their new locker room that still had its ‘new car smell’. Sharon Baldwin-Tener is about to turn the corner in her most recent building project. Previously, she had built East Carolina before returning to her roots in the Peach State. It’s amazing the passion that coaches have when they go back home; it’s not something that you can easily fake. It easy to feel that “love” simply by talking with her. The character and talent have vastly improved since her arrival in Atlanta and hopefully the success on the court is just around the corner for her and the staff.
After some cancellations I was finally able to get to Coastal Carolina and see first time head coach Jaida Williams. With the advantage of a new arena, they’re in the early stages of laying the foundation of a new culture that is crucial to any program.
I want to thank the coach’s that asked me to speak to their teams. The opportunity is very humbling since they all have more career college wins than I’ll ever amass in my lifetime. Their understanding as educators and the appreciation of the value of an outside perspective tells you just how fortunate their players are. You never know just what might turn that light bulb on in the growth and development of a young athlete.
When I take these trips I carry with me several audiobooks to listen to during the many miles of drive time. One I enjoyed this time around was Bo Schembechler’s Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches the Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership. Just three discs long, it can be a real asset for young head coaches. Another book I was able to complete this time around was Roy William’s: Hard Work: A Life on and Off the Court. I can honestly say that I have never been a big fan of Coach Williams prior to hearing his story. After learning of his background and the sacrifices he made to earn success as a young coach; I’m comfortable saying that he has a new fan. I can relate to some of his challenges. I recall living in a basement with cinder block walls around me and two portable closets in the early stages of my career. Making less than $8,000 a year I doubt it was comforting to my parents when I reassured them “don’t worry this is going to work, I’m working Geno’s camp next month”!
If you want to see a more detailed depiction of these stops I write back to my players/parents on our website at
http://www.stmsabers.com/category/announcements/
Check back soon with Blue Star Media for insights on the other half of my 2013 preseason journey.
