X

Becky Haenfler was recently named the 2024 Region 7 Assistant Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. This is her first time receiving this award and her first year of being the Avon girls’ basketball team assistant coach. Becky is not new to coaching though. She has been coaching the middle school girls’ basketball and volleyball teams for the past ten years for Avon. When asked why she first began coaching, Becky said that she became involved in coaching different sports when she began teaching. She finds that being involved in other activities outside of the classroom very rewarding. It is also nice to be able to see and interact with the students in a different setting than the classroom. Becky’s motivation to coach always comes from the kids. She feels that she is very lucky to be surrounded by athletes and fellow coaches that all want to work hard and do their best. For Becky, there are small things that are highlights to her. It is the little things such as going for a run at the end of regular season play or spending time with the girls on the team in the gym that she finds to be some of the best parts of the season. This season the team had some really fun games and Becky has really enjoyed learning from Coach Poppe every day in the gym. Interestingly enough, not only did Becky attend Avon and play basketball for the Lady Pirates, but she also was coached by Coach Poppe. Becky enjoys the challenges of the game of basketball. She likes being able to watch the girls improve every day in order to better overcome challenges on the court. Becky sees how basketball has brought the Avon community together as well. It is wonderful to see the community come and support the team during their games. Basketball also teaches life lessons and makes athletes out of people. Coming into the 2023-2024 season and it being Becky’s first year as the assistant coach, she just wanted to be able to support, help and learn in any way that she could. As a team, they had some big goals this season and were able to accomplish some of them. Another goal for Becky this season was to be able to work with the junior varsity girls and help them build their skills while encouraging a competitive spirit. Becky’s philosophy as a coach on building a successful team includes creating relationships and encouraging hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. She also tries to encourage the girls to give their best efforts and work together to accomplish a set common goal. Becky will be returning as the girls’ basketball assistant coach for the 2024-2025 season. The most important part of the player/coach relationship for Becky is creating relationships in both education and sports. Becky wants the players to know that she truly cares for them, both on and off the court. When asked how she felt when she first heard she was named the Region 7 Assistant Coach of the Year, she felt that it was such a nice compliment. She received an email of congratulations from the Activities Association and a message from Avon girls’ basketball head coach, Brad Poppe. Becky feels that in addition to the award complimenting her, it really goes to compliment the entire Avon girls’ basketball program that Coach Poppe has created. The team is made up of a great group of girls to work with, and Becky feels very lucky to be a part of the program. Congratulations Becky on a well-deserved honor being named the Region 7 Assistant Coach of the Year!