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A champion needs motivation above and beyond winning - Pat Riley

Introducing a new feature here at CoachKidsSports.com.  Today and Monday will feature five question interviews with Division III coaches.  Today's entry is Pete Lonergan, the Women's Head Basketball coach at Medaille College in Buffalo, NY.  Monday features Mike MacDonald, the Men's Head Basketball coach at Medaille.

Pete Lonergan, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball
Medaille College, Buffalo, NY

Pete Lonergan is entering his fourth season as the Head Coach of the Lady Mavs with a coaching record of 56-20 (.738). Last season Lonergan coached the Lady Mavs to a 26-2 overall record, going undefeated in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (18-0). The Lady Mavs won the AMCC post season tournament and advanced to the NCAA tournament. The Lady Mavs won their first round match-up against Washington & Jefferson, but lost in the second round to the University of Rochester. Lonergan has been named the AMCC Coach-of-the-Year for his work the past two seasons. Lonergan brings experience as a Division I Head Coach at St. Francis University and Niagara University.  He has an extensive coaching "tree" with more than eight former assistants or players currently coaching.

1 - As a youth league coach, what should I be teaching the kids that I'm probably not?

The three areas that youth coaches should focus on are:

1. Fundamentals
2. Making sure the kids are having fun
3. The concept of team first.

2 - What shouldn't I be teaching the kids that I probably am?

Most coaches focus on winning and losing. While it’s fun to win, it shouldn’t be the priority at that age. Coaches should focus on the development of basic skills and fundamentals. 

3 - What is the most important fundamental for kids to learn?

It depends on the sport, but focusing on the fundamental skills of each sport. For basketball, kids should learn to master the basics of dribbling, passing and shooting. For football, you should focus on tackling, blocking, throwing, running and catching, etc. For young athletes to get better they first need to understand and execute the simple, basic drills and movements necessary in their sport. 

4 - Who is the best coach you know?

Pat Riley

5 - Why do you coach?

There are two reasons. First, at any level, a coach is a teacher and I enjoy teaching and watching a player learn the skills. I enjoy seeing players learn skills and develop their throughout their playing career. Secondly, at the collegiate level, I enjoy the competition. The preparation, planning and strategy add an exciting element to the coaching experience.