Coaches, scouts, and sports analysts alike can be quick to use statistics when making judgments on athletes or teams, and the Coronado High School girls basketball team isn’t going to blow anyone away by that measure.
The stats speak for themselves: The Islanders lost every game last season, and their points per game and point differential have fallen well below expectations this year, according to the coaching staff.
Yet, they have an abundance of traits that never will show up on a statsheet such as grit, passion, and a pure love for the game of basketball, according to their coaches.
That persistence paid off when a trio of seniors helped the team to its first victory over two seasons in December, when they beat Castle Park High School (Chula Vista) in a double-overtime, 42-39, win at home.
“Heart. They leave it all out on the floor,” said Assistant Coach Lorena Rodriguez when touching on what separates her girls from others.
Coach Rod, as the girls call her, noted how the girls always keep their heads up and she isn’t the only one to notice how relentless this team is.
Head Coach John Coolidge, who is the team’s third coach in four years, has brought stability to a team that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. The team is 1-17, and hosts Patrick Henry (12-12) at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The Islanders close out their season with another home game Friday and two next week.
Down by 60 and the girls were still diving for balls, having fun, and showing sportsmanship.”
-Head Coach John Coolidge
“Down by 60 and the girls were still diving for balls, having fun, and showing sportsmanship. That is something you can’t teach, and that’s heart,” Coolidge said when describing his team.
There are few squads in San Diego County that can outwork and enjoy the game more than the Islanders and their persistence is even that more impressive, according to the coaches. They say seniors Alyssa Alarcon, Anna Youngblood, and Katie Potter have shown immeasurable leadership.
The senior trio has been through plenty of highs and lows during their time at Coronado High, and they’ve used their experience to become effective leaders, the coaches said.
Between coaching changes and tough losses, the Islanders have remained level headed through it all and the credit goes to the positive attitude the seniors bring day in and day out, said Rodriguez.
“We have to be in the right headspace to keep everyone calm and on the same page,” said Alarcon. She also stressed that the maturity she’s gained during her high school career is something she strives to pass on to her younger teammates. The encouragement Alarcon offers to the underclassmen players will hopefully provide them with the confidence needed to execute tough passes, and run the plays that Coach Coolidge draws up.
Maturity is just one aspect of this team’s culture that the senior trio has improved throughout the season. Going back to the passion the Islanders’ have for the game, Potter is no stranger to facing challenges head on. The determination she shows from the moment she laces up her shoes and steps on the court is contagious, according to the coaches.
“I go full out all the time, and I feel like that helps the other girls to become encouraged and want to win,” said Potter.
The intensity Potter plays the game with doesn’t keep her from enjoying her time on the court. Potter described that her lighthearted attitude keeps things fun, even going as far as to say, “we’ll be losing but I’ll be making jokes about anything.”
The greatest advocate for playing basketball for the love of the game and to have fun is Youngblood, said Alarcon and Potter.
“A positive mindset helps you learn better”
-Senior Anna Youngblood
“I have a good time whether we are losing by 40 points, in a tie game, or winning,” Youngblood continued, “A positive mindset helps you learn better.”
The appreciation she has for basketball is infectious, and playing alongside her fellow seniors and a supportive coach makes it that much more enjoyable, said Youngblood.
Coolidge voiced how important basketball is as an outlet for his players, and athletes everywhere. The culture that Alarcon, Potter, and Youngblood have created played the most important role in their double overtime win.
The back and forth victory that came against Castle Park saw the Islanders win by three points.
Youngblood claimed it was undoubtedly the best game the team has played, and it was fun to be a part of a neck-and-neck contest. Such a hard fought game like their win against Castle Park reminded her of why she loves to play basketball.
While Youngblood enjoyed the competitive aspect of their first win, Alarcon and Potter felt that the victory lifted a weight off the team’s chest.
“This win was different because it was for a team that hadn’t felt winning before, so when we won it was something big for them and very exciting,” said Alarcon.
Potter reiterated Alarcon’s thoughts as she reflected on all the trials and road blocks she’s experienced since her freshman year.
“Being able to finally win after everyone’s hard work was very rewarding since we’ve all been through a lot,” concluded Potter.
The senior trio’s mantra is all about hard work and a positive attitude.
Coolidge and Rodriquez appreciate how upbeat and driven they have remained during losing streaks and coaching changes.
Potter said the team’s persistence made the taste of victory that much more sweet and reminded the girls of why their positivity will never waiver.
