Q&A with Linn-Marr girls basketball coach Chad Tompkins
MARION, Iowa — A Q&A with Linn-Marr High School girls’ basketball coach Chad Tompkins.
Coaches names?
Chad Tompkins: Chad Tompkins, Kristin Becker, Kelsey Rastetter, Stephanie Hasken, Nicole Rowland, Jennifer Thurston, Jordan Lippert, Ish Obleton, Tony Nicol.
Please share some history or backstory on the team/club/program.
Tompkins: Our Varsity team is currently comprised of seven seniors, two juniors, one sophomore and one freshman.聽 Overall, the program 9-12 has a total of 50 girls out, which is the highest number of participants the program has had since this coaching staff has been at Linn-Mar.
What are the team鈥檚 goals for the current/upcoming season?
Tompkins: The goal of each of our teams is to get better every day, with the objective of playing our best basketball at the end of the year.聽 If we are able to accomplish this, we feel as if we have been successful, regardless of the overall win-loss record of the teams.
Who are the team’s captains or leaders? What makes them a vital part of the team’s success?
Tompkins: Two senior leaders who have been integral to our success are Taylor Brunson and Zoe Kennedy.聽 They have put countless hours in the gym during the off season and have attended most all our out of season activities.聽 They have high expectations of themselves and their teammates and are great vocal leaders in practice and in games.
Does the team have any pregame rituals or traditions?
Tompkins: Throughout the season, Varsity parents have hosted a team meal the night before the games.聽 It is a great bonding experience for the team.
How does the team welcome new members?
Tompkins: Members of the team do an excellent job of welcoming new players to the program; I believe this is a large part of why our numbers have grown so much over the last couple of years.聽 When someone new comes into the program, players make sure they introduce themselves and help them through the workout or practice.聽 Regardless of a players skill level, players respect each other when they come to the gym to get better at basketball.
How does the team celebrate?
Tompkins: After a big win, the girls do a cheer in the locker room together.
Has the team (or any individuals) broken any records this year?聽
Tompkins: Zoe Kennedy tied the school record with 7 made 3-pt field goals in our game against Dubuque Wahlert on December 2nd of this year.
What has motivated the team to reach their goals this season?
Tompkins: I would refer back to Question 3, our goal is to get better each day we are in the gym.聽 We do not measure our success in wins and losses, which can be easy to do.聽 If we have a day that we are not at our best, we recognize it, and agree that the next day has to be better.聽 Players and coaches hold each other accountable for this throughout the season.
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
Tompkins: I would like to be known as someone who cares for their players both on and off the court/field.聽 Someone who is fair but demanding as well, who pushes their players to be the best they can be.聽 Sometimes players do not know what they are capable of, until a coach pushes them to their best, I hope to be that person for my players.聽
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