I often attribute my desire to coach and share the game of basketball to all of the coaches who have influenced me over the years. I know that I’ve lucked out in having incredible mentors in my life, and some people aren’t so fortunate, so for that I am eternally grateful. I don’t believe these individuals get enough credit and appreciation for all of the hours they put in behind the scenes and the lives they touch, so I’ve decided it’s time for me to publicly and formally thank them…
To my high school coach, Coach Buckley, thank you for seeing something in me that I failed to recognize in myself at the young age of 14. You saw my potential and gave me a chance by pulling me up to Varsity and trusting me enough to put me on the floor. You consistently pushed me to challenge and believe in myself during a pivotal point in my development as a player. I’ll always remember your inspirational quotes before each game and practice, and the unforgettable journey we had together to get to the Garden. You even followed me to Brunswick, Maine, and cheered me on as I embraced the next chapter of my basketball career. It’ll always be a Lady Sailors Night, thank you for supporting me from the very beginning!
To my college coach, Coach Shibles, thank you for being one of my greatest role models and always valuing me as a player and person both on and off the court. You have become a second mother to me over the years and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to play and learn under you. Thank you for answering my phone calls at odd hours of the night to talk me through important life decisions, for going out of your way to meet me for dinner when I needed to vent, and for always believing in me whole heartedly through moments of self doubt and adversity. I’ve learned to trust my gut and follow my heart under your guidance and leadership. You’ve created a legacy of strong, determined, and resilient women as the head of our polar bear family, and I’m so incredibly proud to be a part of it. I’ll always be in your corner and I know you’ll always be in mine. I love you!
To the first person to hire me out of college, Coach Gaetano, I wish I could accurately articulate everything I learned from you and gained from our one year together, but we both know there are too many memories to count. You trusted me, having just graduated from college two months earlier, to help you build your program from the bottom up, and that was a decision I never took for granted. You taught me how to embrace my authentic self and never settle for anything in life. Your tenacious and energetic personality is truly infectious and you make everyone around you want to be better. I laughed myself to tears one too many times during our chalk talk lunch dates, game management duties, and 8 hour bus rides. Thank you for being my biggest advocate and supporting my decision to apply for this program even though it meant leaving you and the team. I’m so grateful to have worked under you and to have you in my life. I love you Ruth!
And lastly to all of the club and assistant coaches I’ve had along the way, Mr. Otto, Ms. St. George, Ms. Reddish,Terry, Casey, Corey, Kj, Toby, and Coach Shea, and finally to Dave and Greg here in Ireland, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Since arriving on this Island I’ve learned quickly that coaching here is not like it is in the States. People volunteer their time freely and are rarely paid substantially if at all for the endless work they do. Just know that your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, you’re not just coaching a game, you’re changing lives, and that’s something not everybody can say. As I move forward in life and coach players and teams in different capacities, I hope to leave behind half the legacy that all of you have in my eyes.
Cheers,
Shannon
