Pebley discusses USU’s season, coaching
Utah Statesman: When did you decide you wanted to be a coach?
Raegan Pebley: I went through stages in high school when I knew I wanted to be a coach, then I got into college and I didn’t want to have anything to do with coaching. Then my senior year, I knew I wanted to be a coach.
US: What preparations did you have to go through to become a coach?
RP: I think by working for a diverse group of people, as far as what their philosophies were. I think if you work for the same person for your whole career, that’s all you know. And always be a willing and constant learner.
US: Do you enjoy coaching?
RP: I love coaching. I love every bit of it, I even love the X’s and O’s part. I love the interaction you get with the girls and developing a team.
US: What kind of things do you have to do before you can coach on the college level?
RP: You don’t have to play, you just have to get your foot in the door. When you get your foot in the door, you have to be very unassuming. You have to have humility and willingness to learn from those around you.
US: What advice would you give younger people growing up who want to be a coach?
RP: Play as long as you can because you can always get into coaching. While you’re playing, learn as much as you can from the coaches you have. And once you do get into coaching, just get your foot in the door. That means if you need to volunteer, show up and observing a coach’s practice, even if it is junior college or high school level. It doesn’t matter what level, it is still the game. You still try to add experience and develop players, teaching teamwork, and shelling egos.
US: How many hours do you spend coming up with a game plan?
RP: Oh gosh, including watching tape and getting together with your staff and doing scouting reports of the players, about 20 hours.
US: Do you change your game plans drastically for different teams?
RP: Not always. There will be certain parts of the game that gets altered, but there are certain things that make your team your team and that’s your constant.
US: Do you view this season as a success?
RP: I do. Obviously we don’t have as many wins as what some people would view as successful, but I feel like this team has gotten a lot better. We have a very good core that we can grow and develop from. We had to get this team on the court, just for a season to see where we needed to go. I’ve seen a lot of great players developing, great team chemistry. I really think we have a great shot to finish this season strong and there are a lot teams in our conference that are hoping we don’t get any better.
US: What kinds of things give you the most stress?
RP: Well, I worry about the kids and what their mentality is. I want them to be happy. I want them to think that they’ve been treated like the incredible people they are. I want my assistants to feel like they’re a part of this program and they have some ownership in this program. And I just want the fans and the students and the administration to be proud of us.
-kcaustin@cc.usu.edu