Olde Coach
Rip, Olde Coach
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2011
- Messages
- 619
- Reaction Score
- 1,004
It's tough being a college freshman anywhere. But when you are 1,000 miles from home (Banks and Stokes) or 3,000 miles (KML), and you are trying to adjust to all the new freedoms and responsibilities in your life; and you are in a whole new learning atmosphere, and a new social world -- that is a whole lot of "stuff" to figure out (and hopefully to master) at age 18.
And then you have to deal with the time demands of an elite Division 1 athletic program. And your head coach is one of the most demanding coaches in women's college athletics. And you have to learn to play UConn basketball at a speed and precision you have never imagined. Wow, that's a load!
KML, so far as we know, has handled it all with relatively little stress. She's kind of super-human, and has been traveling the world to play high level USA basketball for many years.
For Brianna and Kiah it has been a steep hill to climb. And they have had some tough days, weeks, and months meeting all the expectations of their coaches, teammates, and fans. Both kids went home for Christmas break pretty exhausted and feeling very challenged.
Happily, both returned to UConn after some home cooking, good talks with parents, and time to
get some much needed sleep. They were tested to their limits in the first semester; but they were not quitters. They started in January to play at a much higher level, and with greater consistency. And they didn't look as lost on the court as they had been.
Most Boneyarders have recently seen (and applauded) huge gains by Kia and Brianna over the past few weeks. They have earned more minutes, and their coaches' and teammates' trust. They are making big contributions to their team now. They have a new energy, a bounce in their step, and confidence in the roles they are playing. And, bottom line: UConn is a much more dangerous team now than they were in November and December -- because of the progress Kia and Brianna have made.
Most of the above is pretty obvious to knowledgeable UConn fans. But there is one thing I don't think any of us know. (And I would love to know.) What roles have Geno, CD, Shea and Marisa played in helping Kia and Brianna reach the level they are now operating at -- on the court and most likely in other significant areas of their student life.
How many hours of counsel and friendship have each of the UConn coaches spent helping their freshmen along? How many hugs? How many helpful conversations with their team's academic advisor? How many conversations on a bus or an airplane? How many chats with their parents.
Kia and BB are both in a good place now. They have climbed some steep hills to get where they are.
As a long time headmaster, teacher and coach, I know how big an influence teachers have on their student/athletes.
I am confident that Geno and staff have done a great job of challenging while helping both Kia and Brianna. If we knew more of what goes on with the kids and coaches that is out of our view, I think we would all be impressed and very appreciative of the many ways they are "coaching" our favorite Huskies.
And then you have to deal with the time demands of an elite Division 1 athletic program. And your head coach is one of the most demanding coaches in women's college athletics. And you have to learn to play UConn basketball at a speed and precision you have never imagined. Wow, that's a load!
KML, so far as we know, has handled it all with relatively little stress. She's kind of super-human, and has been traveling the world to play high level USA basketball for many years.
For Brianna and Kiah it has been a steep hill to climb. And they have had some tough days, weeks, and months meeting all the expectations of their coaches, teammates, and fans. Both kids went home for Christmas break pretty exhausted and feeling very challenged.
Happily, both returned to UConn after some home cooking, good talks with parents, and time to
get some much needed sleep. They were tested to their limits in the first semester; but they were not quitters. They started in January to play at a much higher level, and with greater consistency. And they didn't look as lost on the court as they had been.
Most Boneyarders have recently seen (and applauded) huge gains by Kia and Brianna over the past few weeks. They have earned more minutes, and their coaches' and teammates' trust. They are making big contributions to their team now. They have a new energy, a bounce in their step, and confidence in the roles they are playing. And, bottom line: UConn is a much more dangerous team now than they were in November and December -- because of the progress Kia and Brianna have made.
Most of the above is pretty obvious to knowledgeable UConn fans. But there is one thing I don't think any of us know. (And I would love to know.) What roles have Geno, CD, Shea and Marisa played in helping Kia and Brianna reach the level they are now operating at -- on the court and most likely in other significant areas of their student life.
How many hours of counsel and friendship have each of the UConn coaches spent helping their freshmen along? How many hugs? How many helpful conversations with their team's academic advisor? How many conversations on a bus or an airplane? How many chats with their parents.
Kia and BB are both in a good place now. They have climbed some steep hills to get where they are.
As a long time headmaster, teacher and coach, I know how big an influence teachers have on their student/athletes.
I am confident that Geno and staff have done a great job of challenging while helping both Kia and Brianna. If we knew more of what goes on with the kids and coaches that is out of our view, I think we would all be impressed and very appreciative of the many ways they are "coaching" our favorite Huskies.
