Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Aimee: I started coaching when I was 21 years old, and was given my first opportunity to be a Head Coach at Hill Country Christian School. I learned so much that year, and created so many memories, but I have to say it was stressful at times. I loved every second of it and how it deepened my love for the game. After my second year coaching, I felt that coaching was my “calling,” and felt I was good at it too, so I knew I wanted to keep pursuing it and see where coaching would take me. I went on to coach middle school for several years, then was Head Coach for a high school varsity boys’ team, coached AAU high school girls, and eventually started doing individual training and coaching at several collegiate camps.
After I had been coaching for eight years, I was given the opportunity to move here to the Bay Area and become the second Head Women’s Basketball Coach here at Lincoln. This year is my third at Lincoln, and while each has brought so many memories, I’m truly looking forward to this year. We have an awesome team and it has been a joy to coach them so far. Third time’s the charm, so I’m excited to see what they accomplish and more!
What drives you to coach women's basketball, and what dreams do you have for your team?
Aimee: Growing up playing basketball since I was in the 4th grade, I can remember each coach I had and the impact they had on my life. As I got older, I appreciated what my coaches instilled in me and how it helped me through life, and motivated me to do better in every area of my life. Coaching Women’s Basketball has been a complete honor, and the opportunity I have to make a difference in the lives of each athlete I coach is something I hold dear. Women’s Basketball has been very underappreciated for years, but now as the game gets more recognition, it's been an incredible experience to help these young women gain the appreciation they deserve.
My dream for my team is, of course, to win as many games as possible, as any other coach would want, but ultimately, I want each player to have the best experience possible while being on this team. I want them to look back and love, appreciate, and not regret being a part of this team. I’d rather they look at it as one of the best, most rewarding times of their life.
Please share a brief overview of your journey and highlight some key achievements from the recent season. How has women's college basketball evolved in recent years?
Aimee: The most recent season was hard-fought. We were tested throughout, but we did what we needed to do to stay on course. Because we remained focused on the main goal, we went undefeated in conference play and became SWS regular season conference champions. It was very rewarding for me and the team to earn this great achievement.
It has been so cool to see Women’s Basketball become more popular and mainstream. More people are tuning in to watch collegiate women’s basketball and the WNBA, setting viewing and attendance records. From how Women’s Basketball was viewed when I was younger to now, it has been a long time coming. But I love that the world is finally seeing what Women’s Basketball has been all along.
What advice would you give to student-athletes who aspire to play basketball at a higher level?
Aimee: I would give any student-athlete who has aspirations to play basketball at a high level this advice: Enjoy each moment, enjoy the process even if it's hard at times. If you keep at it, have fun, and find joy in putting in hard work, you will be rewarded. Control what you can - your effort, attitude, and your ability to be present in the moment.
Are there any tips you have for students on how to successfully manage their academic responsibilities with athletic commitments?
Aimee: Being a student-athlete is rewarding but also can be very challenging, especially during your season. To successfully manage your time with your athletic and academic responsibilities, you must be organized and understand your priorities. You might have to skip or postpone a workout because you need to study for an exam. You may have to say no to going out with friends if you need to get in that extra workout to help your performance. Understanding what's important and being organized and consistent with your schedule will help you be successful with your commitments.
Describe the most memorable moment of your coaching career so far?
Aimee: This past 2023-2024 season I was selected for the SWS Coach of the Year award. I was very appreciative, and thankful for the award. It was a big moment for me, and it meant a lot after everything the team and I had been through over the last several years. I will forever be grateful for it! I wouldn’t have received such an award if it wasn’t for my athletes who played hard, my assistant coaches, my partner, who has sacrificed so much to help me chase my dream, and my entire support system who has helped me grow both as a person and a coach.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind in the world of women's basketball?
Aimee: I just want to leave the game better than I found it– continuing to bring light to the game and showing how powerful sports can be in bringing people together. I want to leave a legacy of empowerment, where each player is important, appreciated, and seen for the positive impact they have on others, both on and off the court. Honestly, I just hope women's sports continue to grow, and that young girls are not afraid, but are encouraged and empowered to play sports.
Beyond technical skills, what skills do players need?
Aimee: Besides having necessary skills to play basketball, we look for players that want to be challenged and held to a high standard. We want athletes who demonstrate great character: respectfulness, kindness, integrity, and a love for the people around them. If they possess these traits, we know that they will work hard for their teammates, coaches, and themselves because of the respect and love they have for themselves and for the game. At that point coaching them becomes easy and fun.
What character traits do you hope your players will develop on and off the court?
Aimee: As each player's time with me and this program comes to an end, all I want for them is to look back and say, they are a better player and even a better person from when they first joined the program. My coaching staff and I want to instill qualities that everyone is looking for at any type of job or career: discipline, respect for others, kindness, accountability, being a team player, and working hard with purpose. If each player leaves here possessing these qualities, no matter what they do in life, they will find success and have a positive impact on everyone around them. We want them to leave as game-changers, and holding them to these standards every day will ensure they take these qualities with them.
What makes you break into a big smile during practice?
Aimee: I love the game of basketball, and love being able to call coaching my “job” because it doesn't feel like one. Being able to be around my athletes each day, building relationships, and seeing them grow both as a person and a player brings me so much joy that I can't help but smile during practice. I also love having a good time during practice while still getting better and accomplishing what we need to.
If we followed you around for a day, what would surprise us most?
Aimee: I honestly don’t know what would be surprising, haha. I’m a pretty loud person and love to talk, so that might not be surprising. But you might be surprised at how loud I speak. You’ll also see how close I am with my brother/assistant coach, Michael. He’s like my best friend, and I enjoy being able to work with him every day. Also, you might be surprised at how obsessed I am with my dogs. They are incredibly attached to me, and I’m equally attached to all three of them. If I’m ever feeling stressed, sad, anxious, mad, or nervous, they’re always there to make me feel better.
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