Photo Courtesy of Daniel Battaglia

By Natalie Hanna & Karma Paez 

In the past year, Granada Hills Charter High School (GHC) has received new coaches for various teams including Girls Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Girls Soccer, and Dance. As a result, student-athletes who are a part of these teams have been working extremely hard in their efforts to fully adjust to their new coaches. The new coaches and their players are excited about what’s ahead in the future of their seasons.

GHC’s new coaches are all valuable new leaders within the sports department, but some players feel that they have to work even harder to prove themselves to their new coach. Most importantly, students are concerned about leaving a good first impression to ensure that the coach sees the best version of themselves in the hope of receiving as much playtime as possible. 

“It’s stressful because you want to make a good impression and make sure they see the best in you,” sophomore Basketball player Alyssa Badua said. “As soon as they see you and know you, the weight comes off.”

As athletes, they are used to a systematic program, making the transition difficult to adjust to. For instance, many volleyball players find that position changes, additional practices, and film sessions – where athletes watch themselves and their opposing teams – are forcing them out of their comfort zone. 

“She is the first coach to have us take stats and watch film,” senior Volleyball player Cherish Roberson said. “It’s different from what I am used to.” 

Although players are sad to see their old coaches go, the change was necessary for the players to grow further in their athletic abilities.   Adjusting does not always necessarily need to be a negative experience. New coaches can bring improvement to a team’s dynamic, causing it to expand a team’s foundation. 

Although GHC Girls Soccer has not begun yet, the players have met their coach and believe that he has the coaching ability to lead them into a successful season. 

“He’s going to get the job done that we need. Since we weren’t able to win the last two years, I think he’s gonna be able to switch the program up in a positive way,” junior Soccer player Haley Mallas said.

As long as players stay open-minded, they will have the ability to adjust to their new coach. Communication between the players and coach is a key component to their success. Furthermore, new coaches can help pave the way for younger athletes who are looking to play at a higher level.  

“We are very prepared,” Carla Quirarte, senior and Dance Team Vice President said. “She is very organized and has worked with the school longer since she’s a teacher here so she knows how the school is. She’s keeping in mind what we want and the image of our team.”

Preparation, communication, and open-mindedness are only a few of the many attributes new coaches bring to a team. Although it may be difficult for athletes to adjust to new coaching styles, each team will strive for success in the upcoming competition season.