VYPE: What type of team should we expect to see in your first year in the head role?
Britney Kannady: Disciplined and mentally tough. Those have been points of emphasis for us. Our team word is “strength.” This team has been through a lot together. When something hard happens we want to make sure we use our “strength,” toughness and discipline to fight through it together.
VYPE: What experience did you gain as an assistant that has helped you transition into the head coaching position?
BK: I think an important part of coaching is relationships. Players need to know that you care about them and believe in them. Since I was an assistant these past two seasons, these girls already knew Coach K loved them, believed in them and will fight for what’s best for them.
VYPE: Talk about your staff this year. What type of experience do your coaches bring to the table?
BK: I couldn’t ask for a better coaching team. Coach Big Mike is our post guru, if it’s in the paint he handles it. He has years of experience coaching both basketball and volleyball and even coached some of our girls in junior high. Coach Lohn brings years of high school boys basketball coaching experience. He also just has a great basketball mind. He has really helped our girls how to be aggressive and attack the basket with a strong finish. Coach Fitzgerald is our young coach of the group, but trust me, you can’t tell. In high school and college, she was a 3- point sharpshooter and still holds the record here at MHS for charges taken. With that said, she of course spends a lot of time with our shooters and teaches defensive toughness.
VYPE: This year will be a success if __?
BK: Nope, this season will be successful “when.” Take the “if” out. The kids work too hard and improve/learn too hard not to be successful. Every time I raise the bar they reach it and want to know what’s next. They keep doing that, it’s not a matter of if but when. Be the best you can be but continue to get better!
VYPE: What (or who) inspired you to become a coach?
BK: I would attribute that to two things. One, my passion and love for the game of basketball. I just love playing, coaching or watching the game. Two, I was blessed with many amazing coaches in my player days. They, along with my amazing family, helped me become who I am today. That made me want to be that for kids. I love the quote by Billy Graham, “One coach will impact more young people in a year than most people do in a lifetime.” That’s what I try to do.
VYPE: They say great coaches learn just as much as they teach. What have you learned from your players?
BK: I believe this to be true, but my answer to that has changed, I think. Basketball and coaching is a major part of my life and taught me so much. However, I think lately I’ve learned the hard way that life is much bigger than basketball. Yes we are a “team” and I get to “coach” them and that’s very important but there’s so much more.
VYPE: Which current player has come along the farthest this offseason?
BK: Every single person in this program has come so far on and off the court this offseason, including myself with the help of these amazing young women. We have put a lot of sweat & tears into where we are right now. It hasn’t been just one, it has been our entire TEAM.
VYPE: Which player is most likely to make others laugh during a serious moment?
BK: This made me smile and there are too many characters on our team and coaching staff. No way I can pick just one. We work hard but we try to smile, laugh and have fun as much as possible.
VYPE: How do you spend your time outside of coaching?
BK: Easiest question you gave me – my son, Kyrie. He and this team are my “whys.” If I’m coaching, he’s usually right there with me in the gym. He loves the girls and is like the team’s little brother. When I’m not coaching I’m probably somewhere watching him play basketball or football. So if I’m not Mom, I’m Coach K & vice versa. If it’s neither I’m probably trying to get some sleep!
VYPE: What’s your best advice for young coaches?
BK: Never stop learning. John Wooden or whoever you think is the GOAT coach doesn’t know everything there is about basketball or coaching, and on top of that, they know that so they keep bettering themselves. Also, coaching is hard, so don’t you dare stop just because you are in a tough season. The hard is what makes it great!
