Q&A with Napa girls basketball HC Taylor Willis
NAPA, Calif. — Coach Willis is a Napa High graduate and the Head Coach of Napa High’s Varsity Girls Basketball Team.
How does it feel to be back at your alma mater as a coach?
Taylor Willis: It feels really great being back at Napa High. I have a lot of great memories playing basketball and other sports here, and it’s been amazing being able to give back to a school that gave me so many opportunities.
How would you describe your leadership and coaching style?
Willis: When I was a player I led by example, with lots of energy. I was always talking to support and hold my teammates accountable. This translates to how I coach. I always do my best to give 110 percent. I’m constantly talking during practice and in games. My coaching style is passionate, energetic and empathetic. I can be tough on them but they also know that it’s not MY team, it’s OUR team. They are encouraged to share their voice.
Who is your sports hero?
Willis: Honestly, it’s my dad. My dad ran in college, and he continued to compete in marathons, triathlons, and cycling when I was young. His work ethic, dedication and competitiveness is something I grew up with. It’s probably why I respect the mentality of players like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady so much. My dad also played basketball with me all the time, and he’s the one who made me so tough on the court. He never let me win.
As a former player, what is the best advice you received from a coach?
Willis: I’m pretty sure I got this advice from both my high school coach (Darci Ward) and my college coach, Todd Kent, but something along the lines of: “Be quick, but not in a hurry,” and “get out of your head.” Darci used to do visualizations with us before the game and, as someone who was always in their head, this really helped.
What would you like to teach your players besides basketball?
Willis: I want to teach my players to be good people. People that are going to be able to face adversity and succeed. People that are going to support their communities and stand up for what’s right.
What’s been your most challenging experience so far as a coach?
Willis: Probably our season last year. We weren’t able to do a summer or fall conditioning program. We didn’t get to start our season until the Spring. There wasn’t a pre-season where you work out all the kinks. We had many players struggling because they didn’t get the year they had always envisioned. The pandemic took away being able to be at school with all their friends, go to dances, and even attend sporting events. We lost every game with a team that was talented. Last year really tested who I am as a coach and as much as I want to win, I had to learn how to balance the mental health of my student athletes in a global pandemic.
What’s been your most successful moment as a coach?
Willis: One of my most successful moments as a coach came during the 2019/20 season when I had just taken over as the Varsity head coach. We made the playoffs, and we went against the number 1 seed. We had a number of players out from injuries and sickness, and I think everyone was counting us out. Although we ended up losing, we rallied in the first two quarters to keep it close and gave it everything we had to the very end. I was so proud of their tenacity that at the end it actually felt like we had won.
The other most successful moment as a coach came this past week. I had a number of former players back in town who expressed wanting to help out and come watch us play. Having players return like this means I must have done something right.
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