Coach is on Fire

The Coach Coach Ryan Weisenburg has nearly 20 years of coaching experience. He has three NBA Championship rings (with the Lakers) and two WNBA rings (with Sparks). Coach Weisenburg has also coached at the high school level as well as internationally in New Zealand. Coach Weisenburg is currently the head Women’s Basketball coach at Pepperdine. Last season in his first year as head coach Pepperdine won a first round victory in the WAC conference tournament over Santa Clara. Coach Weisenburg is excited for the upcoming season. A Quote “Start fast and finish strong” and “You listen to learn not to respond” Adversity When Coach Weisenburg first came to Pepperdine the talent was apparent, however the team did not have the right attitude. The players lacked some of the toughness and discipline to compete at the right level. The team also lacked accountability. One player in particular struggled on the academic side with instances of cheating and disrespecting professors. Even though

The Coach Coach Dave Pietramala has been the coach of Johns Hopkins lacrosse for the past fourteen years. As a player Coach Pietramala was an outstanding defenseman for the Blue Jays of Johns Hopkins. His play did not go unnoticed; Coach Pietramala was a three- time First Team All- American. Under Coach Pietramala the Johns Hopkins team boasts an extremely impressive record of 147-50. In addition the team has appeared in the NCAA tournament 12 times, 4 of which resulted in trips to the Championship Game, with two National Championship victories. In 2005 Coach Pietramala became the first person to win a National Championship both as a player and again as a coach. A Quote “Well done is better than well said” and “Don’t tell me show me” Adversity In 2007 the team faced adversity. The team was confronted with an unfamiliar situation; they went on a losing game. In 2005 the team had never lost a game and just two years later the team found themselves in a hole. The team leaders too

The Coach Indiana native Sharon Versyp is the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Purdue University. As a player Coach Versyp played from 1984- 1988 as a point guard at Purdue. Coach has been at Purdue for 8 years for 7 of those years the team has finished in the top 25. The team under Coach Versyp has been to four Big Ten Tournament Championships and has had two NCAA Elite Eight appearances. This the year the team boasts seven returning players in addition to five freshmen joining the squad. Coach Versyp is excited for another year as head coach. A Quote “Pain is weakness leaving the body” Adversity The team faced an adverse situation three years ago. At that time one of the players was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. This was truly a life- threatening situation with a real potential for life term effects. Coach and the team sat by her at the hospital. The player ended up losing her hearing and has finally begun to regain some of it. The team rallied around her and ended up winning a

The Coach Indiana native Coach Rick Reeves is the head Women’s Basketball coach at Gardner- Webb. Coach Reeves has over twenty years of coaching experience at the colligate level with eleven of the years being spent as head coach at Gardner- Webb. He is a four time Big South Coach of the Year. At the colligate level Coach Reeves boasts over a hundred wins and six postseason appearances. A Quote Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose Adversity The biggest adversities happen off the court. LeMonica Lewis played for Coach Reeves in the 80s. She was watching the news when she found out that her father had passed away in a motor cycle accident. Her team was able to rally around her and offer support throughout the tragic event. Drill Tips Speed shooting is Coach Reeves favorite drill. The idea is to get 3 shots up in five seconds. It gets the players to communicate in an effort to achieve the goal. &n

The Coach West Texas native Coach Gerlich is the head women’s basketball UT Arlington. The daughter of a basketball coach Coach Gerlich grew up playing the sport. In college she won a National Championship game with Texas Tech. As a coach she began her career as an assistant at her alma mater. Coach Gerlich’s first head coaching position was at West Texas A&M. Coach is now in first year at the Division I level. The team will welcome nine new players this season. Quotes “If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you” “Be passionate, be fearless, and be strong” Adversity Everyone faces adversity. In Coach Gerlich’s third year at West Texas A&M the team had a tremendous guard, Emily Brister. Emily was a four- time all- American. With four games left in the conference season she blew her knee out. The team decided not to let the moment define them. The team was able to win the regional championship. Drill Tips Coach Gerlich’s favorite dr

                                              The Coach Coach Lattimore is in his first year as head coach at Holy Cross. Coach Lattimore grew up playing lacrosse in upstate New York. Coach played collegiately at University of North Carolina. Coach Lattimore then worked as an assistant coach at Genesee State University, Limestone College, and Delaware, as well as South Carolina, Bucknell, Penn, and Michigan. Coach is now enjoying getting to know both Holy Cross as a school and the team.                                               A Quote  “The yoke of a free man is discipline”                                               Adversity In 2010 Coach Judd L

The Coach Coach Rich Hurley is the head basketball coach at Troy High. In just his second year as coach the team has made two appearances in the Section II AA championship game, with the most recent appearance resulting in a win. Last season the team had the option of dropping to Class A competition due to declining enrollment however, Coach Hurley embraced the challenge of being competitive at the Class AA level. Coach Hurley was named the 2013 coach of the year. A Motto It’s not what you teach it’s what you emphasize. Adversity The downs can make you stronger. In the second round of the sectional playoffs one of the teams best players went down with an ankle injury. As a coach you have to try and keep it together for your team. The key is telling the team that everything will be ok and keeping their minds on the task at hand. The team came together and won the game and made it all the way to the championship game. Drill Tips Coach Hurley’s favorite drill is the shell drill. Focusing f

The Coach Coach Dennis Douds has been the head football coach at East Stroudsburg University for over forty years. In that time Coach Douds has amassed 244 victories making him number two on the list of active winningest Division II coaches. And he leads all active coaches in games coached with 418. He is only one of nine coaches to coach over 40 years at the same school. In addition to coaching Coach Douds also teaches at East Stroudsburg University and was the 2013 recipient of the Great Teacher Award. A Quote “Opportunity is n-o-w-h-e-r-e” Adversity A few years back the team started 11 players who were freshman. They maintained the motto if there is time on the clock we have a chance to win. In the last game of the season, down by four points, with a little over a minute on the clock the opposing team had the ball on the six inch line. But, the team stayed focused and was able to force a turnover. The team capitalized on the opportunity and won the game. Drill Tips No one drill that is the

The Coach Head Women’s Basketball Coach Joan Bonvicini has lead the Redhawks of Seattle University since 2009. Before taking the post at Seattle Coach Bonvicini served at Southern Connecticut University, Cal Poly, Pomona, University of Arizona and Long Beach State. Coach Bonvicini is currently number 11 on the list of all time winningest coaches in colligate women’s basketball. Coach lead the Redhawks to their first WAC regular season title in the 2012-2013 season. Coach Bonvicini is excited for the upcoming season. A Quote “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary” Adversity Coach Bonvicini’s team faced tremendous adversity. Pokey, a player on Coach Bonvicini’s team, passed away her senior year from a blood clot, for a year Coach Bonvicini did not coach. Pokey was a highly inspirational young women. When she was recruited Pokey had a learning disability. She faced her struggle with learning head on. She was an amazing person who had an impact on not

The Coach New Jersey native Coach Meredith Black is the head women’s lacrosse at Marquette University. As a player Coach Black played at Notre Dame. Before working at Marquette Coach Black served as an assistant at Towson, Notre Dame, and Berkley. Coach Black formed the Marquette team. She started recruiting for the new program in 2011-2012. The first season the Marquette program participated in was 2013. A Quote “I can accept failure but I can’t accept not trying..” –Michael Jordan Adversity Starting a new program creates an adverse situation. New challenges crop up daily. The biggest struggle is finding leaders because no upper classman exist to guide the younger players. Drill Tips Any drills that foster competition is good for getting the winning edge the team needs to thrive. Splitting the team up and keep track of success and creating an incentive to win helps to further the goal. Recommendations for the Offseason Coach Black recommends keeping the competitive mindse

The Coach Coach Mike Murphy is the head lacrosse coach at Colgate University. Coach Murphy is entering his fourth season at the helm for the Raiders. Prior to being the head coach at Colgate Coach Murphy served as an assistant coach for West Point. Coach Murphy played lacrosse at the University of New Hampshire. Coach Murphy looks forward to another exciting season at Colgate. A Quote “Quality is never an accident it is always a result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution” -William Foster Adversity Adversity faces everyone daily. The Colgate team faced adversity in a game against Hobart last year. Colgate went down 5 to 1 at the half. Coach went into the locker room and let the team know what had to be done. The team came back to win 7-5. Drill Tips Coach Murphy uses the beast drill to get his team playing efficiently. The drill is designed as 6 on 4 players with 4 players on defense. It gets the defense fired up. The expectation is that the offen

The Coach Coach Creighton is in his first year as the head football coach at Eastern Michigan University. Prior to accepting the position at EMU Coach Creighton served as the head football coach at Drake University. Coach Creighton boasts nearly 20 years experience as a coach with a record of 139-46. Coach Creighton’s success is not limited to the football field. He was also honored with the Giant Steps Award, which is given to coaches who promote academic success for their team. As a player Coach Creighton was an All- America quarterback at Kenyon College.   A Quote “Never give up” Adversity Adversity is not limited to the field. Last fall the team was faced with real life adversity with the tragic death of wide receiver Demarius Reed. Drill Tips Full team turnover circuit. From both the offensive and defensive perspective. Eight team stations focusing on ball control and awareness. Recommendations for Parents and Coaches Being fully engaged in the high school experience. Book Lea

The Coach Notre Dame lacrosse head coach Kevin Corrigan has lead the Fighting Irish for twenty- seven years. In that time the Irish have won seventeen conference titles and been invited to the NCAA championship nineteen times with a record of 253- 120. In 2009 Coach Corrigan received the Frenchy Julien award for outstanding service to the sport. The lacrosse teams success under Coach Corrigan is not limited to the field the team has also notched many achievements in the classroom. Coach Corrigan is only the second head lacrosse coach in Notre Dame school history. Coach Corrigan is now looking forward to the 2015 season.   A Quote “People don’t care how much you know until they know that you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt Adversity At the ACC tournament last year the Irish were in a situation where if they were not successful in the ACC tournament they might not make the NCAA tournament. The Irish had to comeback in order to beat Maryland and winning the ACC tournament. Just a mont

The Coach Washington native Ian Shoemaker makes his debut as head football coach at Central Washington University. Prior to taking over as head coach, Coach Shoemaker was the offensive coordinator at St. Cloud State University. St. Cloud State University’s football program was incredibly successful under Coach Shoemaker setting multiple single season offensive records. Coach Shoemaker is excited for his first season with Central Washington University. A Quote “Whatever you are doing in life are you doing it under a threat or are you doing it for the challenge?”-Jim Steen Adversity Coach Shoemaker faced adversity during his time as the offensive coordinator for Kenyon College. At that time Kenyon lost a game to Wooster 82-17. To overcome the loss coach kept things in perspective. A loss is a singular moment but the season spans the year. The team used their ability to prepare over the offseason to help. The next year Kenyon traveled to Wooster and was able to win. Drill Tips Coach Shoem

The Coach Gina Oliver is the head women’s lacrosse coach at the University of Cincinnati. Coach Oliver got her start as a basketball player it was her basketball coach who convinced her to try lacrosse. She went on to play college lacrosse at the Ohio State University. Coach Oliver went on to play for the U.S. National women’s lacrosse team. Coach Oliver is now in her third year at the University of Cincinnati. A Quote “Don’t quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”-Muhammad Ali   Adversity In 2005 Coach Oliver was cut from the U.S. National women’s lacrosse team. Coach did not allow this crushing blow to get the best of her. Instead she used the disappointment as motivation. After that cut she pushed harder making the world cup teams in 2009 and 2013. Drill Tips To hone athletes competitive edge Coach Oliver recommends having players go the width of the field while facing defenders head on in a no rules game like scenario.   Recommend

The Coach Coach Russ Martin is the head football coach for the Colorado Mesa Mavericks. Coach Martin has been coaching for over twenty- five years. His career at the colligate coaching level began at Baylor University in 1985. At Baylor Coach Martin was responsible for scouting reports, on campus visits, as well as coaching defensive ends. Coach Martin is now in his third season as the Mavericks head coach. A Quote But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Adversity University of Nebraska Kearney was in the playoffs against Saginaw Valley Michigan a team with an impressive scholarship base and talent level. Through the first quarter and a half Coach Martin’s team played some of their worst football and went down 21-0. The team stayed focused and was able to come back and win in the second half. Drill Tips For Coach Martin conditioning is key. It is impossib

The Coach Utah native, Coach Kyle Whittingham, has been the head football coach for the University of Utah Utes since 2004. As a player Coach Whittingham was the defensive player of the year in the WAC. In 2008 Coach Whittingham was named the National Coach of the Year and to date he has the most wins in program history. He also boasts a record of 7-1 in bowl games and 2-0 in BCS Bowl games. In addition to his on the field success Coach Whittingham’s teams have also had academic success including three Academic All- America commendations and over one- hundred academic all conference awards. A Quote Coach Whittingham has people that he admires but does not use quotes to get the team motivated. Adversity In Coach Whittingham ‘s first year as a head coach at Utah adversity struck. It was game 11 when Ryan Johnson, the starting quarterback, got injured against New Mexico. The next week was the rivalry game the team stepped up and the Utes went on to win. That season the team went on to beat Georgia

The Coach Greg Sheeler is in his fifth year as the head coach of Shaker High School football. Coach Sheeler played at Ithaca College. Prior to working at Shaker, Coach Sheeler worked as an assistant coach at the colligate level in Massachusetts. A Quote “ It’s not the x’s and o’s it’s the Jimmy and Joes” – Coach Gary Richardson Adversity When the Shaker program went to the section championship in 2012 they were down by three touchdowns at halftime. The players did not and ended up taking the lead with a minute and a half remaining. Unfortunately, Shaker did not win the game. But, it was a turning point in the program. Drill Tips Coach Sheeler emphasis the running game. Coach uses the half-line drill to reinforce the running game. Recommendations for Parents and Coaches Be realistic in expectations. Sports can be used as a means of obtaining a top education. Which is why it is important to strive for success in the classroom. Book The All American By Lars Anders

The Coach This English major, poetry- reciting gentleman might not seem like your average football coach, but don’t let Coach Ambrose’s erudite ways distract you, he comes to win. This Towson alum took over as head football coach in 2009 and despite winning only three games in his first two seasons he has lead the program to an impressive turn around. In 2013 the program made its first appearance in the FCS Championship game. A Quote Invinctus poem Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. Adversity The resources

The Coach- Iowa native Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, Coach Abe for short, is the head coach for the University at Albany women’s basketball program. Since becoming the head coach for the Great Danes Coach Abe’s team has one three America East conference titles. As a player Coach Abe played two years at the University of Georgia, two years at Iowa (where her team one the Big Ten Conference twice), and one year professionally in New Zealand. The three- time America East coach of the year is now excited to enter her fifth season as head coach for the University at Albany. A Quote- “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain Adversity- Everyday in some small way or even a large way a team might face adversity. Coach Abe emphasis is that players must know you care for them as individuals not just as players. By knowing that their coach is behind them 100% the team can come together more. Drill Tips- Though the te