Back in the Saddle Again

Today marks the official beginning of another high school girls basketball season—and for me, it marks something even bigger: my first day back as a head coach after retiring in 2024.

To be honest, I didn’t think this moment was coming again. When I stepped away after my last postseason loss—a tough ending for an outstanding Mason City team with awesome players and coaches—I believed that my coaching career had closed. Coaching had been such a meaningful part of my life, and last year was a huge life change to not have the day to day interactions with a team and building a true team which became more like a family.

But life has a way of opening doors we thought were shut for good. And when the opportunity came to return to GHV, after spending some time consulting and coaching with them, something inside me said, “You’re not done yet.”

Starting up again with the first day of practice brings a variety of emotions:

• Excitement to teach, compete, and build a team from the ground up.

• Gratitude for the chance to work with a terrific group of players, supportive families, and a dedicated coaching staff.

• Nervous energy that comes with any new beginning—yes, even after decades of doing this.

• And a deep sense of purpose, knowing that coaching has always been about more than basketball. After a year off and spending a lot of time watching other activities and mentoring coaches, this has hit home more than ever.

Walking back into the gym, you remember quickly why sports keep you coming back: the sound of the ball on the floor, the laughter and joy expressed when things happen that only the team would appreciate, the building of a positive culture through positive relationships—all reminders you that this work matters.

Ultimately, this season isn’t about proving something or reliving the past. Although my last game ended on the wrong side of the scoreboard, I’ve had my share of successes and championships. This year is about more than that:

It’s about giving back.
It’s about staying connected.
It’s about showing up for young people in the same way others showed up for us.

Coaching has always been about relationships—about helping players learn how to handle adversity, celebrate small wins, work as a team, and grow into confident young women. That part has never changed. If anything, after a year away, I feel it even more clearly!

Every season begins with blank pages.
This group will write their own story—one filled with challenges, surprises, memorable moments, and growth.

And I get to be part of it again… what a gift!

Whether we win big or learn big (often both!), the most meaningful victories will come from how we treat each other, how we work through tough days, and how we come together when things get hard. The possibilities ahead are exciting. The people I get to share them with make it even better.

As practice begins today and we dive into a brand new season, I’m simply thankful—thankful for the chance to coach again, thankful for the relationships that make this worthwhile, and thankful to be part of a GHV community that believes in its kids-just like I had in Mason City.

I may have retired once, but this year is a reminder that purpose doesn’t retire. Connection doesn’t retire. And the joy of coaching certainly doesn’t retire.

So here’s to a new season, a new beginning, and the privilege of walking alongside a great group of athletes and coaches once again.

Let’s get to work!

Have a great week!

Coach K