I grew up playing basketball in Northampton. I would walk to the YMCA for pickup games even though I was typically both the only girl and the only person under 20! My father coached the girls Northampton suburban team so I started with the team in 4th grade and played through my eighth grade season - it was a wonderful way to meet other girls with similar interests who didn’t go to my school. I went to Northfield Mount Hermon high school where I continued to play for my four years there. While I began playing on the Trinity College women’s basketball team I wound up going through several knee surgeries which ended my official playing years but I still love to play for fun whenever I get the chance! 

I started coaching basketball for Special Olympics, became the girls varsity coach at the Knox School on Long Island, and then took a break when I had three young children before returning to coaching suburban last year. I have loved getting back into coaching after a few years off.

As a coach of 5th and 6th grade girls basketball my philosophy centers on creating a positive, supportive environment where every player can grow - both as an athlete and as a person. I focus on fostering a genuine love and knowledge of the game, helping each girl build confidence on and off the court, learn fundamentals, and enhance their overall skill development. Beyond basketball I aim to support the development of life skills around perseverance, positive communication, and the ability to work with others as a united team.

Coaching suburban allows me to continue my love for basketball and work to teach other generations of girls about the joy of the game and being part of a team. Coaching at the fifth and sixth grade level allows me to work both with girls who have had some years of experience playing as well as those who are new to the game which is an incredibly fun combination. I love getting to watch the development of each player as well as the team as a whole over the course of the season - it is always mind blowing how much the girls develop both on and off the court from the start of the season to the end. 

I am very excited to welcome new girls to the team and expand awareness and love for the game with a new set of players this year!

I thought of very practical things such as a fire starter for warmth and cooking, shelter, and the ability to purify water to aid in survival but was disappointed in how boring these sounded. When I asked my kids the same question their responses were a cell phone to call for help, all your friends and an ice cream machine (I LOVE soft ice cream) so you can have a party while you wait, and a fully stocked yacht to pick you up and take you home in style! This is exactly why I like coaching kids and teens - they keep me on my toes and inspire me all the time!

I developed a passion for basketball early, starting with a ball in my hands at age 3 and joining an organized girls' league by age 9. I played on successful high school teams that reached district and state playoffs, and I was a Varsity athlete in three sports, receiving college recruitment interest. Ultimately, I chose not to pursue collegiate athletics but stayed active in intramural sports, women’s leagues, and basketball officiating for many years. 

The photo I chose includes my father, who was my first and most influential coach, setting an early example of what positive and effective coaching should look like. Following in my father’s footsteps, I began coaching my son in basketball when he was five and have continued coaching many teams, including a Suburban Girls team and Quabbin Girls team, over the past 12 years. These experiences have deeply shaped my coaching philosophy and the way I approach every team and player. 

I recognize that team culture plays a vital role in both player development and overall success. With each team I coach, I prioritize learning about my players as individuals and understanding how each person—player or coach—shapes the team dynamic. My coaching emphasizes fostering a love for the game while building skills, character, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Drawing on my background in coaching and my professional experience as a psychotherapist, I take a holistic approach that values athletes' mental and physical well-being. My goal is to help players build confidence, communicate effectively, have fun, and feel part of something greater than themselves—thriving both on and off the court. 

In closing, I’m excited for a successful season with the 7th and 8th Grade Girls Suburban team. In my experience, the girls I've coached have shown a remarkable eagerness to learn, grow, and support one another. Their dedication, combined with a fun and positive spirit, has always made coaching them truly rewarding. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your daughters’ basketball journey.