Meet basketball coach Kelly K! Kelly is a former collegiate basketball all-star with years of basketball coaching experience. Basketball is her passion, and she loves helping players of all ages improve their fundamental skills to take them to another level.
Provide a brief summary of your participation playing and/or coaching your sport.
I was a 4-year starter at Case Western Reserve University. I then coached Division I basketball for 13 years. Head Coach at the University of Akron, Assistant at Iowa State, TCU and Oregon.
Why did you decide to become a private coach?
I love to teach the fundamentals of the game. Helping players become better is my passion. It is a great feeling being on the court and teaching the game I love.
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I love watching players get that “aha moment”, when the light bulb goes on and they really get what you are teaching. I love watching the improvement from lesson to lesson as their skill level grows.
What can a client expect from private lessons with you?
I start by assessing their present skills through observation of skills and conversation with the athlete and parents. My approach is to get them on the right track with shooting form and footwork and work on ball skills. We continue to work on putting the ball skills into practice in order to create a strong offensive triple threat attack (catch and shoot, mid range jumpers off the bounce, and attacking the hoop)
What is your coaching style or philosophy?
I believe in teaching the fundamentals and explaining the “how’s and why’s” of what they are doing. Proper technique is critical in becoming quicker and more efficient at the skills of the game.
What is your favorite moment in your athletic career?
Hitting a buzzer beating 3 pointer in college.
Do you have any success stories from coaching an athlete?
Last summer I began working with a rising high school senior. She was struggling mentally with her confidence and physically with her shooting skills. We worked on improving her shot through minor tweaking. As we spent more time her confidence grew. She averaged double figures in scoring and became the senior leader that her team needed. Her team won their conference championship under her leadership. Her coached thanked me every time he saw me.
Did you participate in your sport in high school and college (if so, where)?
I was a 3-sport athlete at Regina High School, South Euclid, OH. I then went on to play basketball at Case Western Reserve University. I was a 4-year starter, and All-Conference all 4 years
What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing?
Golfing, hiking and coaching my daughters.
What is your favorite sports related movie?
Rocky
Do you have a favorite saying?
Each day is a new opportunity to achieve greatness
