695: Tell me about your coaching career...
Coach: In 2003 I began my coaching career at Montrose Christian in Rockville, Maryland before leaving to help start a program at Montverde Academy in Orlando, Florida. Coaching has been an aspiration of mine since I was young. Many of friends and family who coach basketball for a living inspired me to follow in their footsteps.
695: Tell me about the PSPA program...
Coach: I founded PSPA upon returning to Virginia from Florida. I wanted to create a basketball program that integrated what I learned from my many mentors, but allowed me the freedom to do things my way.
695: Where did you grow up?
Coach: I grew up in Falls Church, Virginia.
695: Did you play ball?
Coach: Yes, I spent a majority of my childhood involved in basketball in one way or another. I played in high school for the legendary coach, Stu Vetter at St. John’s at Prospect Hall. I then played in college at Fordham University. I ended my career as a player in the Pro-A League in France.
695: What do you think of the overall direction of girls basketball in the DMV area?
Coach: From what I’ve seen over the years in the DMV area, girl’s basketball programs have grown a tremendous amount. There is more talent in this area than anywhere I’ve seen, and it’s exciting to see more and more opportunities for young girls like my 6-year-old daughter who are just starting to show interest in the sport.
695: If you could change some things what would you work on?
Coach: As the director of a program that believes in the value of dedication and hard work, it is difficult to attract players who base their decisions on short-term gratification, as opposed to long-term goals. For me, coaching basketball is all about recognizing potential and developing talent in young girls. It’s discouraging to see coaches who take the easy road by seeking only those players whose talent already outshines their peers.
695: What is your biggest pet peeve as a coach?
Coach: My biggest pet peeve as a coach is seeing a lack of support for teammates. It’s unacceptable to me for players to be more concerned with individual accomplishments than team goals. I believe that when the team succeeds, everyone will benefit. My 16U team this past year was a great example of what we can accomplish when embracing this motto. All 10 girls will be playing basketball in college next year.
695: What do you do to stay sharp and improve as a coach?
Coach: Just as with any craft, it’s important to stay sharp with your skills and look for new and better ways to do what you do. I personally enjoy sharing tips and ideas with current and former coaches. I am always attending practices and games at all levels to find new and innovative ways to stay fresh and ahead of the curve.
695: What are your plans for the program at Bishop Ireton?
Coach: Bishop Ireton has an existing basketball program and from what I’ve seen, it has room for growth and improvement in the not so distant future. I see myself to gradually develop the culture of the women's basketball program similar to what has been done to both Bishop Ireton’s Men’s basketball and the Women’s lacrosse programs. It is clear from these two successful teams, that there is a formula for success that works for the school. In addition, my job is to find the right ingredients for the type of student athletes that we can develop from within and can attract from outside.
695: What do you do besides coach?
Coach: Besides coaching, I am a physical educator at Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia. Working at a small private school that places great emphasis on the arts helps keep me balanced in my personal and professional life. I’m also able to incorporate much of what I’ve learned at Westminster with the kids in PSPA.
695: What challenges do you anticipate?
Coach: I see challenges as opportunities to do well and make things better. The hiring of a new coach is not the end all and be all of a successful basketball program. It can be a start but there are many moving parts that need to work together to succeed. The only possible challenge I can anticipate is the time it takes to achieve our goals. We have to be realistic and patient to see the desired results.
695: Thanks for your time and good luck at Ireton.
Coach: Thank you.
