Friday, January 20, 2017

Pride in coaching in the Westonka District!

Today's post is from MWHS social studies teacher and Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Alan Hiebert

I’ve been asked to contribute my thoughts to the Westonka Pride Blog in regards to athletics and, more specifically, Girls Basketball, which I have the privilege to coach. What makes me proud of athletics here at MWHS? A lot of pride has to do with the amount of change that has occurred here over the last decade. Almost all of it happened when I wasn’t in coaching. I coached football and girls basketball here from 1999-2008 and have gotten “back in the game” again this season after eight seasons away. The second go-around for me has been eye-opening in several positive ways when compared to my previous experience.

First, coaching has continually improved at MWHS. The experience across the coaching staffs in almost all sports has matured. Coaches like coach Todd Munsterteiger, Butch Humbert, Molly Carlson, Sara Schwartz, Nick David, Doug Runke just to name a few, have been in their positions for multiple seasons and they, and their assistants, have dedicated themselves to making our athletes better and developed programs at the varsity level that represent our school extremely well.

Second, the athletes have invested themselves in their teams. I know that my girls on the basketball team are dedicated to each other as teammates and friends. I’ve coached a lot of teams over the years and I can honestly say that this group is as good a group as I have been around. They’re focused on getting better at “Xs and Os” but also as teammates and people. They’ve gotten “in the wheelbarrow” of our program and are doing their best to make basketball a positive experience for everyone.

Third, I’m proud of my senior captains. Claire White and Ryann Beyer have been through a lot during their careers. I’m coach number 5 in 5 years! But their level of commitment to the team has been impressive. They’ve been asked to buy in to different philosophies and schemes continually throughout their careers and they’ve continually delivered. As a coach it’s hard to find better examples of leadership for future athletes to follow than what Claire and Ryann have demonstrated.

The pride of Westonka athletics is growing. It’s growing for several reasons and will continue to grow in the future. Go White Hawks!

2016-17 Girls Varsity Basketball Team

Ryann & Claire

If you have a story that you would like to share, please fill out the Pride Blog Form! We would love to hear from you!