For the past three weeks the girls’ basketball team selected an “honorary coach” for each home game. The first teacher chosen for the position was Spanish teacher Cindy Epps, followed by English teacher Trent Gainey and Theatre teacher Jill Henson. Head coach Jozette Jenkins wanted to strengthen the connection between her athletes and their teachers.  

“I seen this idea as a creative way for the teachers to not only gain a closer relationship with their students, but to also get an inside look at game day routines from an athlete’s perspective,” head coach Jozette Jenkins said. “It would also be a great way to strengthen the student-teacher bond.”

The honorary coach is given the privilege of shooting the game-opening free throw, or, in the case of Gainey, the game opening dunk. In addition to the charity strike shot, the coaches also get to sit alongside the players on the bench during the game and enter the locker room to give advice to the athletes during half time.
“Being the honorary coach was a great experience,” Gainey said. “I had so much fun and it took me back to my high school days.”

The honorary coach program includes not only teachers but community members as well. The players have not yet chosen a community member to be the honorary coach. However, they have already confirmed that they will select at least one fan for the position.

“Coach Jenkins always comes up with great ideas like this,” senior Maci Hoffman said. “We have so many loyal fans and this is one way that we are able thank them for their ongoing support.”