Creating Identity and Culture at Mountain House High

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Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In a recent episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clymo sat down with Reno Ursal, head basketball coach at Mountain House High School in California, to discuss his journey in coaching, the dynamics of leading both girls and boys basketball teams, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

A Journey Begun in Michigan: Reno Ursal's journey into coaching is one filled with passion and dedication to the sport. Raised in Rogers City, Michigan, he attended the University of Michigan, where he first encountered coaching at Huron High School. His journey brought him to California in 1997, and since then, he's been an integral part of the basketball community, rising through the ranks of coaching and making a significant impact at Mountain House High School.

Building a Foundation at Mountain House: As Reno transitioned from Encinal High School to Mountain House, he faced the unique challenge of establishing a new school's identity. His involvement with the Mountain House Wolverines AAU program laid the foundation for his high school coaching. The biggest hurdle, he noted, was building hometown pride and community culture—an ongoing process even today.

The Challenge of Starting Fresh: One of the crucial takeaways from Ursal's journey is the stark difference in team dynamics when switching from coaching girls to boys. Each gender brings unique challenges and strengths to the sports arena. The boys, as Ursal humorously observed, often deviate from set plays, driven by their desire to showcase their skills, particularly in dunking. In contrast, girls focus more on executing plays with attention to detailed instructions.

Navigating the Dynamics of Team Size and Role Definition: Reno Ursal discussed the ongoing debate over maintaining a larger roster versus reducing it to ensure more playing time for key players. His perspective highlights the importance of recognizing each player's contribution to the team, even if they aren't starters. This debate mirrors the broader challenge of balancing individual aspirations with the team's collective goals.

10 Takeaways and Teaching Moments:

• Identity Building: Establishing a school's identity is as crucial as coaching the team itself.

• Gender Dynamics: Understanding and adapting to the differences between coaching girls and boys enhances team performance.

• Role Acceptance: Clear communication and helping players accept their roles are key to team harmony.

• Youth Development: Involving younger players can foster a strong foundation for future success.

• Off-Court Behavior: Emphasizing character and conduct beyond the game is vital.

• Team Culture: Creating a culture of pride and respect within the team builds long-term loyalty and community.

• Coaching Styles: Adapting personal coaching style to fit the needs of the team enhances connection and effectiveness.

• Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with players, parents, and administration is essential.

• Roster Management: Balancing playing time with team dynamics and individual contributions can be challenging but rewarding.

• Continual Reflection: Ursal emphasizes constant self-evaluation and improvement as a coach.

The Future of Mountain House Basketball

Reno continually evaluates his contribution to Mountain House and his impact on the players' lives. His decision to focus on high school coaching by shutting down his AAU program aligns with his philosophy of putting the team first. He aims to leave the program in a better place than he found it, fostering a legacy of excellence and community pride. Through his conversation with Justin Clymo, Reno Ursal offers invaluable insights into the world of coaching, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and creating a meaningful culture within sports teams. His journey serves as an inspiring roadmap for aspiring coaches striving to make a difference.

Listen to his episode here

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Best regards, Justin Clymo

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