As the girls basketball team begins practicing for their upcoming season, there have been new changes to their program, with a passionate new head coach Mia Moore who was a former player for the school.
“I love the new girls basketball coach. She is so fun,” varsity player junior Sophie Levy-wright said. “This year there is more support for the team and less negativity and drama. Coach Mia has made basketball and the program better.”
Moore values supporting her players and building strong relationships between her and the team. She played basketball as a Royal and at Agoura High School, along with collegiate basketball at Moorpark College, allowing her to know what it takes to build a strong team. She has been coaching since she graduated college and looks forward to continuing her career.
“I just fell in love with [coaching],” Moore said. “I think it’s important to uplift young girls and build confidence in them because I feel like that’s something that they struggle with. I think it’s just bigger than just the sport, so that’s why I do what I do.”
As a coach, Moore hopes to create close relationships both with and within the team. She encourages them to have team bonding outings on and off the court. During the summer, they trained consistently and spent time together at the beach and other enjoyable places, building their team chemistry.
“[Another one of] my favorite parts about coaching is the memories that you make,” Moore said. “[I also enjoy] seeing kids apply those things in their adult lives. Basketball and sports in general teach you a lot about life and mold you for what’s to come, and I try to instill those life lessons with my players.”
With Moore’s main focus being on the values of basketball and creating a comfortable atmosphere for the team, players enjoy working with her. She also encourages them to perform at their highest level.
“I like her coaching style,” varsity player senior Laila Bowens said. “I like how she pushes us to be better and she gives 110% so we give 110% and I’m really excited.”
As Moore and her players continue to work hard in their preseason, their diligence is expected to pay off. Their team dynamics and dedication to basketball will lead them to having a successful season.
“I think we have a lot of talent [and] I think there’s a lot of potential here,” Moore said. “We should have a really good season. If I do my job right, I think we should be really successful.”
