The IBCA is continuing its Mentoring Program in the 2024-25 season. The program was started in 2019-20. The effort was upgraded in 2020-21 and again in 2023-24. It takes another step forward in 2024-25. IBCA president-elect Kaley May of Danville is the coordinator this program.
The matching of mentor coaches with new coaches is a work in progress at this time.
There is a reduced list of predetermined topics that mentors will discuss with the new coaches this season. Those include:
- Sept. 23: A video of Marty Johnson, Tom Beach and Kaley May introducing the IBCA, encouraging membership, and discussing the mentor program was sent to new head coaches.
- Oct. 7: Mentors make first contact; introductions and initial discussion on starting the season.
- Nov. 4: Provide a coaching resource you use (plays, drills, videos, books, etc.) and explain their benefit.
- Dec. 2: Discuss program culture, how do you get through the mid-season lulls and keep your team sharp.
- Jan. 6: End of season "must-dos" preparing for the tournament.
- Feb. 3: Explain the benefits of the IBCA clinic, how to register, and how to do end-of-season nominations for players/coaches.
One other resource available to coaches is posted in the resources section of the IBCA web site is a document titled, “You got the job, so what happens next? – Program Organization.” This information was part of a presentation that IBCA executive director Steve Witty and IBCA assistant director Renee Turpa gave for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association during the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Indianapolis a few years ago. The guidelines in this document will be helpful for any coach, experienced or inexperienced, to be organized and prepared for the challenges of being a head basketball coach.
The IBCA thanks all the mentor coaches for being a part of this program to help fellow coaches. Anyone with questions about the IBCA Mentoring Program should contact Coach May at 317-341-4953 or by email at kmay@danville.k12.in.us.
