High School Basketball Players Step Up to Coach Youth Teams

At Union Academy, the varsity girls basketball team is proving their leadership extends beyond the court. Several players have taken on the role of head coaches for the Girls 10U and 13U recreational basketball teams, demonstrating their commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes. These high school players stay after their own rigorous practices to lead coaching sessions and dedicate their Saturdays to guiding the young players during games.

According to senior Tamryn Goodson, the opportunity arose when Coach Young, the varsity girls basketball coach, informed the team about a pressing need for coaches for the younger squads. “Coach Young told us the younger girls didn’t have coaches and asked us if we would be willing to step in,” Tamryn explained. “I love that we get to teach them what we’ve learned from the best [Coach Young].”

The high school athletes have embraced their roles with enthusiasm and dedication, even as they balance their own season. “The girls have been great – they get loud sometimes, but it just gives us a greater appreciation for our coaches,” Tamryn added.

The impact of the high school players’ coaching reaches beyond the court. Parents of the rec players have expressed their gratitude for the time and energy these teens are investing in their children. Heather Patterson shared, “My daughter and her friends love it. One of my daughters didn’t really want to play at first, but now she loves to go and has a smile on her face. She even saw one of her coaches in the mall and had to run in the store to talk to her. We really appreciate them.”

The three girls who coached all season are Tamryn Goodson, Mackenzie Geilow, and Paisley Boatright, while a few other members of the women's team helped when they could. Senior Paisley Boatright noted how rewarding the experience has been, both for her and for the parents of the young players. “I think the parents respect us for giving up our free time to coach their girls,” she said. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was in elementary school. The team does what we ask, and I’m really enjoying teaching the game of basketball to them.”

Coach Young expressed deep pride in the high school players’ commitment. “Knowing how hard I push the girls in practice every day and seeing them stay after practice and coaching games on Saturdays to work with the younger girls brings joy to my heart. They are instilling that hard work ethic into the future of our program. All I had to say was, ‘Ladies, I need help,’ and they jumped in and dedicated their time to some lucky little girls who enjoy having them around. Their leadership will be missed.”

Coach Young’s encouragement has empowered the high school athletes to take on this leadership opportunity, and the results speak for themselves. Not only are the youth teams growing their skills and love for the game, but the varsity players are gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of mentorship and teamwork.

Seniors Everett Wease and Miles McGinnis, who are on the men’s basketball team, also coached a rec team this year. Everett has coached a rec team all four years he has been in high school, showing his long-standing dedication to mentoring young athletes.

This initiative showcases the unique spirit of Union Academy, where students inspire and uplift each other on and off the court. The future of Union Academy basketball looks bright, thanks to the dedication of these high school athletes and the lessons they’re passing on to the next generation.