This month I was given the opportunity to attend a once in a lifetime coaching program. I knew it was going to be a great experience and beneficial to my future as a coach, but I truly had no idea what was in store for me! The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) selected me for their 11th annual "So You Want to be a Coach" program held in conjunction with the WBCA National Convention in New Orleans. Fifty other graduating collegiate women's basketball players from across the US (DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA) embarked upon the same journey. A majority of our sessions were about recruiting, the administrative side to coaching, how to get hired, skill development, the importance of knowing the rules and how to balance work and life. Some of the college coaches who spoke were Oklahoma State assistant coach Richard Henderson, Nebraska assistant coach Shimmy Gray-Miller, University of Alabama-Birmingham head coach Audra Smith and Duke head coach Joanne P. McCallie. Coach Mary Beth Spirk from Moravian College spoke to us representing DIII basketball, which was nice getting to see a familiar face! Each and every coach was very intriguing and taught us important things encompassing all aspects of coaching, but also lessons regarding life in general. We were able to implement some of the skills we obtained during mock interviews with head coaches and had a hands on experience running a youth clinic at a local middle school.Although our days began with very early mornings and were not complete until late at night, there was still time to experience the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the Women's Final Four and the city of New Orleans. I was able to attend the New Orleans Salute where the Final Four teams and coaching staffs were introduced and honored for their successful seasons. I was also able to explore some of the New Orleans unique little shops. They had voodoo dolls in every shop, which was a little weird. I was told before I left I had to get a famous New Orleans dessert called a beignet. I ate three and let me tell you, I was a little sick but it was worth it. I would go back to New Orleans just for that. The Final Four and coaching convention connects many big name coaches and players, but I would say the most exciting person I met was Brittney Griner. My group and I ran into her at the hotel during one of our sessions. I've been around a lot of tall people but at 6'8'' she definitely takes the cake! Overall, I learned so much about coaching but more importantly made fantastic connections and lifelong friends.
