Head coaches are the face of their sports programs, but without assistants on staff to back them up they wouldn’t have much of a chance for success.
In his new positions as head coach of the women’s basketball team, Bernard Scott has three assistants to help him turn the program around.
Ke’Sha Blanton, Molly Bateman and Tara Fleming are the assistant coaches looking to make their mark on the program.
Two of them answered a couple questions for The Varsity News.
Coach Fleming, how is the team looking for this upcoming season?
The team is small but mighty. They have committed to each other and have bought into coach Scott’s system. They are doing a great job and getting better daily. Our job as a staff this year is to have them focus on the process and let the outcomes speak for themselves.
What is your background in coaching?
I started coaching at my alma mater, Youngstown State. I was there for one year as a student assistant. I then left YSU to go to Canisius College. I was in all three coaching positions there and remained in Buffalo, NY, for nine years. I learned so much, but am glad to be here at UDM now.
What has been your favorite part about UDM so far?
The team without question has been my favorite part. They are an incredible group of girls who are working hard to become better players, students and people. I am really lucky to be a part of their process.
Coach Bateman, what have you enjoyed about your time here so far at UDM?
I’ve really enjoyed my time at UDM since I got hired in June. I love our staff and working for coach Scott. As a young coach, he is a great mentor for me and has taught me so much already. I also love being around the team. We have a great group of girls on and off the court and we always have fun when we do team activities. To me, working for a great head coach and being around a great group of girls and staff mean everything.
What is your background in coaching?
My coaching career started right after I graduated college. I was a graduate assistant at a small school on the Virginia-North Carolina border. After I finished my two years there, I got a job at the University of Mount Union in Ohio. I worked there for two years with the guards and did a lot of recruiting. I enjoyed my time at the Division 3 level because I had the chance to work with every aspect of the program. It was this spring when I met coach Scott and started talking about the opportunity here at Detroit.
What changes do you hope to make within the women's program?
Coach Scott has a great vision for this program and I’m excited to be a part of that. The culture of the women’s program is changing and it has been important for the whole staff to be involved every step of the way. It’s great to be a part of this and help the girls on and off the court. I also love that I work with the shooting guards on the court and help them every day.
