“I love sports, specifically basketball, because there are numerous lessons and habits a person can develop that bleed into other areas of life that will ultimately help them be successful no matter what arena they find themselves in. Basketball provides a fun, generally low risk-high reward system for people to be physically active, learn to compete, grow in confidence, and develop important character traits such as persistence, resiliency, while learning the power of problem-solving and teamwork. Basketball is a delight of life for me, and I believe that when something is delightful to you, you have a responsibility and should be excited to share it with others. 

I coach because it provides a unique opportunity for me to share my delight of basketball with young people that also have some level of interest in the game. A coach has the ability to further cultivate and grow that level of interest and excitement in the players on the team, which in turn helps them to continue to refine the characteristics previously outlined and will help them be successful in realms beyond the game of basketball. The optimal outcome is that I, as a coach, nurture the interest the young person has and help it to develop into a delight that they in turn want to share with others. 

I coach the way I do because I believe that it is important for young people to understand that hard work and improvement doesn’t require being broken down and then built back up to motivate and achieve success. I believe that the power of positivity is greater than the power of negativity when building an environment that encourages growth and the healthier mindset that failure and mistakes are the foundation of or cornerstone of success. By focusing on building a relationship with players and understanding who they are as people, I can gain better insight on how to help them unlock that mindset and truly believe in themselves.”

“I coach because I believe in physical activity, that everyone should be physically active, and it should be fun. I want to instill the lifelong love and joy of moving and competing. I believe in hard work, and seeing the rewards of time and effort day after day, so I coach to build character and promote 100% effort from myself and my athletes. At the same time, my purpose as coach is to show that you don’t need to be yelled at, be hard on yourself, or harvest negative emotions in order to grow and progress as a human and athlete. I coach to help individuals, not just athletes, grow into themselves and into self-functioning problem solvers.” 

“Basketball has been a huge part of my life ever since my very first training at Joe Dumars' Fieldhouse. As a little girl I stepped on the court for the first time and all my worries melted away. Basketball was my escape from reality, something that felt natural and freeing. As I grew older, my love for the game deepened even more - I couldn’t imagine a day without picking up a basketball. It became a way for me to reset my mind, release stress and fully embrace something that I loved so deeply. 

I poured my heart into basketball from a player’s perspective, setting goals and striving to achieve them, but what happens when the game you love is taken away from you? I faced this challenge first hand after suffering three ACL injuries. The months of rehab were exhausting and painful, but the hardest part was accepting that my basketball journey as a player may be over. I realized that sometimes, life forces us to shift our perspective. In the beginning you might think it’s the end of the world, but then you realize the good that came from it. One of the most important lessons to come from my injuries was learning how to stay connected to the sport I love by coaching. 

Coaching became my way to inspire young athletes while sharing the passions and lessons basketball has taught me. I shifted to channel my energy to help others grow, pushing them to reach their potential and nurturing their love for the game. As Kobe Bryant said, ‘The most important thing is to try and inspire the next generation, so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.’ Through coaching, I am able to do just that - use my story and experience to impact others, inspire them to persevere through hard times, keep working no matter what, and enjoy the process. 

The passion that I once poured into basketball has now transformed into a desire to guide, mentor and inspire the next generation. Coaching allows me to help young athletes not only develop their skills but also learn the value of hard work, resilience and love for the game - all lessons that will carry them far beyond the basketball court.”

“I Coach because sports have given so much to me, and it is my way of trying to give back even a small fraction of that. Friendships, skills, opportunities I have had - all are because of the amazing blessing of playing sports. I remember how I felt on my worst days and on my best days, so I hope to be that coach that can help guide young athletes through the ups and downs that come from playing sports. I want to be someone they can trust in. 

I know what it is like to play for great coaches, and I hope that I can emulate the things they taught me throughout my athletic career that shaped me into the person I am today. I don’t remember the wins and losses or the scores of games, but I do remember the people around me. I coach because sports are not only about growing on the court or field, but also about learning how to become a great and successful person in life.”

“I Coach UTICA basketball because I want the best for our program and for every single player that I coach. My goal is to give them an experience they’ll always remember - one built on teamwork, growth, friendships, success and school pride. 

I see potential in each of my players - not just as athletes, but as people - even when they don’t see it or believe it yet. I’m dedicated to helping them reach that potential. 

I remember every moment - every practice, every game, every lesson - because each one matters. I don’t coach for me because it’s not about me. It’s all about them. I won’t let them down because Utica basketball isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am. I was born and bred a UTICA CHIEFTAIN. U’s UP! "