College’s women’s basketball coach reflects on first season

Rob Vanya - 3/5/2009 First-year head coach Eric Taylor (right) said assistant coach Kyle Dray helped immensely to introduce a new system for the San Jacinto College North’s women’s basketball team.

HOUSTON — The San Jacinto College North women’s basketball team did not qualify for the Region XIV playoff tournament, nevertheless first-year head coach Eric Taylor reflects on some good memories from the 2008-09 season.

"It’s disappointing that we didn’t make the playoffs, yet there are plenty of positive highlights," commented Taylor. "Our team grade point average is 3.2. The team’s second leading scorer, rebounder, and steals leader is a freshman and will return next year. Also, Adonna Opara, who played center and averaged a double-double through the season, will be returning next year. Also, the team really played its hearts out when they were all on the same page, but we really didn’t ‘learn’ each other until late in the season."

The team’s overall record for the season was 5-25, and their conference record was 3-15. Eight out of the 10 teams in the conference qualify for the playoffs. If San Jacinto College had won one more conference game, then the team would have made it to the Region XIV tournament.

In a sense, San Jacinto College was handicapped, while competing in a very tough conference. Of the 15 players on the team, 10 were freshman and five were sophomores. The team was not only inexperienced, it was also small, and young, and playing under a new coach, and a new system. “Yes, we played in a tough conference, and yet the players played as hard as their ability would take them,” Taylor remarked.

Although Taylor’s coaching career included a stint as an assistant coach at Southern University in Shreveport (SUS), this was his first season as a head coach, and he learned some important lessons.

"I learned that stepping into a new situation or program takes a lot of patience and perseverance -- dealing with what you have, trying to stay positive," he said. "Life is a challenge, and basketball is a challenge. But, I've faced similar challenges, trying to refurbish a program to compete at a high level academically and athletically. So, I have been through a similar situation."

Recruiting, Taylor says, is perhaps the most important key to improvement. "Recruiting, I believe, is the essence and future of your season or program," he remarked. "You have to recruit character, a will to win, commitment, dedication, and determination. As an assistant at SUS I was the head recruiter. Our record the first season was 10-20, the second year it was 20-10, the third year it was 25-5, and the fourth season it was 27-3. If we follow the same formula (at San Jacinto College), we will be as successful on the court as we have been off the court in academics."

If he named an MVP for the season, Taylor says it would be freshman Sheneria Taylor, a 5-7 small forward from Westfield High School. The coach is also grateful for the dedication shown by others. “Kyle Dray (assistant coach) was magnificent, just being there to help introduce a new system,” Taylor commented. "I also appreciate Precious Ivy stepping in as a former player to serve as a student assistant coach. I also appreciate Travis Greenway, the best trainer in Region 14, and our team manager Jason Ward. I especially appreciate the support shown by Shawn Silman, the athletic director, through tough times."

Taylor is optimistic about next season.

"We will have eight players returning who will bring a lot of valuable experience," he noted. "Also, I have been recruiting ever since I was hired. I already have four magnificent players that are signing on April 8. All I have to say is, 'watch out for the San Jacinto College Press and the famous Break.'"

San Jacinto College serves more than 24,500 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College athletics, please visit www.sanjacsports.com. For information about programs and degrees offered, call 281-998-6150 or visit www.sanjac.edu.