This year at Stone Ridge, many new coaches have joined the athletic program with enthusiasm and motivation. These new additions have already begun to showcase their coaching abilities with both success and a commitment to their teams. The future looks bright for Stone Ridge Athletics, and the student athletes are excited to improve and to win under the leadership of their new coaches. Here are some Q’s and A’s to help you get to know a few of the 2015-2016 new coaching staff I had the opportunity to speak with.
Coach Gaiser (Varsity Lacrosse Assistant and Varsity Field Hockey Assistant)
Q: In just a couple sentences, what made you choose to become a coach at Stone Ridge?
A: As a SR lifer and former four-year, three-sport Varsity athlete myself, I wanted to be involved on the other end of high school athletics. Sports made such a huge impact on and difference in my life, as did my experience off the field and the court at Stone Ridge, so I wanted to help make a difference in other SR Gator gals’ athletic career. In my opinion, being a dedicated athlete is the best preparation for life beyond the turf.
Coach Zebrak (JV Tennis Coach and Varsity Basketball Assistant)
Q: Do you have a “pregame ritual”? If so, what is it?
A: No set ritual, but before every game or match, I remind everyone to give their maximum effort and to have fun.
Q: What are three words you would use to describe the student athletes on your team?
A: Energetic, happy and intelligent.
Coach Chambers (JV Volleyball Assistant)
Q: What is your vision or goal for the program? Is there something specific that made you want to become a coach?
A: My goal for coaching is developing and watching players grow. As a coach, I believe it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important. Honestly, it’s not all about the winning and losing. The most important thing to my teach players is how to be happy and successful. Teach them how to be a good friend and teammate. Teach them how to live with integrity and confidence. Teach them how to have fun and work hard. Each day I go into practice thinking, I have an opportunity to positively influence my players lives by teaching them and giving them the skills and fundamentals to grow. I have had some of my best experiences and memorable moments from playing sports; I want to provide my players with the same experiences I had as an athlete.
Coach McDonald (Varsity Basketball Assistant)
Q: Is there something specific that made you want to become a coach?
A: Honestly, besides my love for the game, I wanted to give back to the game by sharing my journey and my knowledge so others can benefit. I have always been about my team while playing, and that’s not going to change just because I am contributing from a different vantage point as a coach.
Q: What are three words you would use to describe the student athletes on your team?
A: Coachable, hardworking, goofy (Which is a good thing because I’m a tad goofy, myself!).
Coach Luther (Varsity Basketball Head)
Q: In just a couple sentences, what made you choose to become a coach at Stone Ridge?
A: I chose to become a coach at SR because I want to work with a group of very bright, driven, young athletes who want to be together and play together for one another. I want to coach a team that feels like a family within a community that feels the same way.
Q: What are three words you would use to describe the student athletes on your team?
A: Supportive, tough, determined.
Take a look at all the new coaches!
Maureen Chambers: JV Assistant Volleyball
Jeffrey Schriver: JV Basketball
Jesse Edwards: JV Assistant Basketball
Jasmine McDonald: Varsity Assistant Basketball
Andy Luther: Varsity Basketball
Britany Linke: JV Field Hockey
Heather Kenney: JV Assistant Field Hockey
Larry Zebrak: JV Tennis, V Basketball Assistant
Ruthie Gaiser: Varsity Assistant Field Hockey
Gloria Nantulya: Varsity Field Hockey
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