She sits in her office watching film from the previous game. She analyzes every move to make sure she knows everything that needs to be worked on during the next practice.

Carrie Grona, head coach of the varsity girls’ basketball team, started playing basketball in the seventh grade. She is now a successful coach who cares for every one of her players and makes sure that they know what she expects of them – on and off the court.

“[My goal is] always to improve each year, improve the program, to build the program stronger each year, to eventually make it a habit or be in a place where the regional tournament is something we do every year,” Grona said. “We’d like to make it to the state tournament, but as long as we’re improving.”

Being a coach is not always easy. Athletes in any sport always have an opinion of their coach, whether good or bad, but hopefully the athletes have a coach like Grona whom they can trust.

“I think they would describe me as tough, but fair,” Grona said. “I’m there for them. If there’s something wrong, they can bring it to me.”

Coaches need to have a strong work ethic and a lot of patience. Although there are struggles that come with being a coach, like sacrificing family time and a lot of over time in the gym, there are also rewards.

“[I like] watching the girls graduate and go on outside of college and doing the things they want to do,” Grona said. “Just becoming great young ladies.”

Having a wonderful and caring coach is such a blessing, especially when they really want the best for their players. Anyone who talks to Coach Grona can tell she loves her players and has a good relationship with each of them.

“It’s got to go beyond here on the court,” Grona said. “They understand if something happens beyond the court, that I’m there for them and want to be part of their lives.”