Few things in life are more rewarding than coaching young people. Helping young players grow and develop as they chase their goals is often an immensely fulfilling experience.
However, coaching also has its challenges, particularly in college settings. Every day, coaches have to work hard to help their players balance the many demands of being student athletes.
Recently, Hendersonville Lifestyle sat down with Volunteer State Community College Head Women’s Basketball Coach Otis Key to get an inside look at coaching today.
What is your basketball background?
“After high school, I played college basketball at Austin Peay State University and Lincoln University of Missouri. Once my college career ended, I played for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1998 to 2008 before formally moving into coaching. I was an assistant coach and head freshman coach at South Warren High School followed up by being the head coach for the Kentucky Bisons of the American Basketball Association. Subsequently, I came to Vol State, where I have been the women’s basketball coach for 10 years.”
When did you first realize that you wanted to coach basketball?
“I was helping a friend coach a team of 14-year-olds in 2005 and before one pivotal game, something happened, and he didn’t show up. Per the league rules, I knew that if we didn’t play the game, it would be a forfeit. So, I decided to coach the game myself, since I didn’t want to let the kids down. As it turned out, we ended up beating the powerhouse team in the city, and after that, I was addicted to coaching.”
What is a typical day like for you?
“On non-game days, I spend a lot of time reviewing film and stats on upcoming opponents in order to develop and execute a good practice plan. This plan helps me to decide on player matchups and how to exploit those in our favor. On game days, we have an early shootaround where I try to get the team to focus on the upcoming contest. I review personnel assignments, and I explain how I want the players to attack and defend. After games, I analyze the stats and game film in order to determine what adjustments I need to make to help the team succeed.”
How do you deal with the distractions of social media and mobile phones?
“Social media and cellphones are major distractions that can cause players to lose focus. I always make sure that the players turn off their phones when we are going over our game plan so that understand what we are trying to accomplish. I also have firm rules about what can be posted on social media. As Vol State student athletes, they represent something that is bigger than themselves, and they have to be very careful about what they send out.”
What keeps you coming back season after season?
“Like most coaches, I have a strong desire to achieve success through winning. However, the main things that keep me returning every year are my players. I love working with them and helping them to achieve their goals. It is extremely gratifying to watch them grow and develop as both basketball players, and as strong, empowered women.”
Along with basketball fundamentals, what else do you emphasize with your players?
“Community service is very important to me and to our program. We participate in holiday parades and food drives, as well as helping put together food boxes when needed. We also spend time helping local community agencies such as Habitat for Humanity and women’s shelters across Sumner County. I believe that it is important to give back to the communities that support us.”
What is your primary goal for this season?
“Our main goal is to put ourselves in a position to have a good seed for the postseason tournament. I believe that this team is talented and that we can compete with anyone. However, our players are very young and still learning. If we can play at the level that I believe we are capable of playing, then I think we can have a deep run in the tournament.”
"When a player commits to play for me, I find out what they want to achieve in college, and I help them lay out a plan for success."
“My proudest moments are watching my players graduate from college. Some of them are the first in their family to graduate, while others may have overcome considerable adversity. I am extremely proud to have been a part of their journey.”