Tag Archive for: Coaching experience

SOUTH RANGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH PAT CARDEN

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CANFIELD OH- In anticipation of another thrilling basketball season, South Range High School’s boys’ basketball head coach, Pat Carden, sat down with us to share his insights and expectations for the team. Despite the successes of his first year, Carden is not resting on his laurels as he prepares his squad for even greater achievements.

Reflecting on the previous season, Coach Carden mentions that his first year at the helm was a period of significant learning and adjustments. “It was a huge learning curve for me, but we got a full off-season to implement some changes,” he shared. The team experienced a minor setback when they narrowly missed out on the league title due to an unexpected loss to Lakeview. “We learned that any given night you can be beat, and you have to be ready to go,” he noted. This season, the team is again overlapping with South Range’s successful football program. Key players like Nate Lewis and several sophomores are still committed to football, leaving Carden to prepare with a limited roster. However, the team remains hopeful and determined.

Key returning players include senior Luke Rowan and point guard Nate Lewis, both critical to the team’s dynamics. Additionally, senior Graham Hiking has returned to the fold, bringing with him vitality and competitive edge. The coach also mentions promising juniors, along with a couple of exciting freshmen. During the interview, Coach Carden emphasized the importance of an upcoming preview scrimmage against Bristol, which will serve as a vital test for players with limited varsity experience. “It’s crucial for our guys to get as close to game situations as possible,” he said. Discussing their challenging conference and non-conference schedule, Coach Carden is optimistic. The team faces tough opponents right from the start, including West Branch, Louisville, and Boardman—matches that will undoubtedly prepare them for the high stakes of tournament play. “We get thrown into the fire right away. Those games will test us and see what we’re all about,” he remarked.

Expectations for the team remain high, with Carden pushing for a strong work ethic and defensive intensity. “We want to play hard and fast, especially on the defensive end,” Carden expressed. In year two, practices have begun to reflect his vision, with drills and team dynamics molding into a cohesive unit. Coach Carden also praised the foundational work put in at the junior high level, highlighting the robust coaching staff that aids in the program’s continuity. “We have great junior high programs and knowledgeable coaches that prepare our players for the next level.”

As the South Range boys’ basketball team embarks on their new season, Coach Carden’s vision is clear: dedication, high energy, and relentless effort. The team’s depth, bolstered by a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, promises another exciting chapter in South Range basketball.

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LOWELLVILLE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH CHRISTINA FREED

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LOWELLVILLE, OH- As the Lowellville Rockets volleyball team kicks off their season, the anticipation is palpable. Under the guidance of Head Coach Christina Freed, the Rockets are aiming to build on last year’s promising start and solidify their presence as a formidable force in their league. With Coach Freed entering her second year at the helm and her seventh year in volleyball coaching overall, she brings a blend of experience and vision to the team.

The Rockets are buoyed by a strong senior class, consisting of seven dedicated players who are expected to provide leadership both on and off the court. Speaking to YSN’s DJ Yokley on the podcast “LOWELLVILLE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER,” Coach Freed highlighted the importance of team chemistry and unity. Over the summer, the team invested in various bonding activities, including surprise lunches, pool gatherings, and team dinners, in hopes of fostering a cohesive and supportive environment.

“Chemistry was really important this year,”  said Coach Freed. “We did a lot to make sure the girls came together as a team. It’s about building relationships and trust, ensuring everyone knows their role and responsibilities.”

The team’s efforts to strengthen bonds seem to be paying off. Already off to a 1-0 start, the Rockets are committed to maintaining a winning record throughout the season. Coach Freed employs a balanced approach, focusing not only on skills and strategies but also on mental and emotional readiness.

Each home game holds special significance, as players dedicate their performances to important figures in their lives. This practice adds a layer of motivation and personal connection to each match. For Coach Freed, this year’s dedication goes to her cousin Ricky, whose resilience in overcoming personal challenges serves as an inspiration.

“No matter how low you go, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” said Coach Freed, emphasizing the life lessons she wishes to impart to her players.
As the Lady Rockets volleyball aims for success, the team’s determination and strong chemistry will be crucial factors. With the leadership of Coach Freed and the senior class, the Rockets are well-poised to compete fiercely in the season ahead, making their community proud.

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MINERAL RIDGE COACH’S CORNER WITH HEATHER AULT

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Mineral Ridge’s volleyball coach, Heather Ault, has been making headlines as she leads the 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams to consecutive championships. Ault, who has been coaching this group for five years, credits her lifelong passion for volleyball and her strong connection with the girls for their success.

Ault’s coaching prowess is evident in the team’s exceptional performance, having won back-to-back championships and going undefeated in their league for two years. A proud moment for Ault and her team was when they secured a league victory for the fourth time during her coaching tenure.

The success of the Mineral Ridge volleyball team is a testament to the strong foundation laid by Ault. Her dedication to the sport and the close relationship she has with her players is evident as she mentions how players have wanted to come and play for her from a young age. Ault’s involvement with the girls even extends to her role as a fifth-grade teacher, where she uses her influence to foster enthusiasm for volleyball among her students.

Looking ahead, Ault is confident in the future of Mineral Ridge’s volleyball program, with a strong batch of freshmen and underclassmen ready to carry the torch. When asked about the possibility of coaching at the varsity level, Ault remains evasive, hinting that she’s not ruling out the idea as she focuses on her own children for now.

Ault’s impact as a coach and mentor goes beyond just her players; she’s a respected figure in the community. Andy Hake, who conducted the interview with Ault, acknowledges her exceptional coaching and teaching abilities, indicating the deep respect she has earned within and beyond the volleyball community.

With Ault at the helm, Mineral Ridge’s volleyball program is gearing up for a promising future, driven by passion, dedication, and a love for the game.

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GIANNA IS NO CAP

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- In a groundbreaking debut season, Gianna Caputo, the rising star of Mineral Ridge’s wrestling program, made history as the only female wrestler from the school to advance to the regional level. In an exclusive interview with YSN podcast host Andy Hake, Caputo revealed her journey from karate to the wrestling mat and her triumph against formidable male opponents.

Caputo’s passion for the sport shone through as she described her determination, intrinsic motivation, and unwavering support from her family. Her tenacity and fierce competitiveness propelled her to overcome the odds, ultimately earning her a well-deserved spot as the highlight of the wrestling season.

Andy Hake, a seasoned coach and advocate for sports, commended Caputo’s groundbreaking achievements and emphasized the character-building nature of wrestling as a testament to her admirable representation of Mineral Ridge.

Caputo’s unprecedented success underscored the growing diversity in wrestling and offered a beacon of inspiration to aspiring young athletes. Her remarkable journey from a relative newcomer to a regional contender solidifies her place as a trailblazer and an embodiment of the fighting spirit of Mineral Ridge’s wrestling program.

As the wrestling community celebrates this phenomenal achievement, Gianna Caputo stands as a living testament to perseverance, resilience, and unyielding determination, earning her the title of American legend and Mineral Ridge hero.

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MINERAL RIDGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH BOB MOLNAR

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Bob Molnar, the 8th grade basketball coach at Mineral Ridge, recently achieved an impressive feat as his team completed an undefeated 18-0 season, with a perfect 14-0 record in the conference. In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, Molnar shared his insights into the coaching profession and his dedication to the young athletes in his community.

Molnar emphasized the importance of setting and achieving goals, highlighting the girls’ determination to go truly undefeated in the MVAC and win the championship. He attributed their success to early training and exposure to competitive basketball, nurturing and mentoring the girls since the third grade. Molnar also stressed the significance of teaching life lessons through sports, instilling a long-term perspective in the young athletes.

With a background as a father of five and extensive coaching experience since 2000, Molnar expressed his preference for coaching girls due to their focused attention to detail and increased seriousness about their athletic and academic future. He also shared his involvement in other sports programs, illustrating his enduring commitment to the local community and its youth.

Molnar’s dedication to teaching and mentoring through sports has had a profound impact on the Mineral Ridge community, fostering a culture of perseverance, commitment, and sportsmanship among the young athletes he coaches.

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