Since I was a little kid I have always has had a strong love for the game of basketball. My dad was my first coach and was my coach throughout grade school and high school. When I went off to college, he was at every game he could be at. It went from him coaching from the sidelines to after the game we would talk about things I did well and what I could do better for the next game. He has always been my biggest asset throughout my basketball career.
Deciding on a college was an easy choice for me. I came to UPG because it was known for a great education and it was a place where I could continue my basketball career.
My career at UPG had its ups and downs. Coming in as a freshman I was scared to death. I had to learn all the new plays and try to earn a spot on the court while keeping my grades up in the classroom. During my sophomore year we had the season of a life time, and made it to the NCAA National Tournament in Michigan. My junior year was very hard for me; I was dealing with a knee injury for most of the season. My senior year at UPG was not only my best season as a bobcat but also it was the start of a new bobcat tradition.
Coach Eaton has taught me different aspects of the game and it has made me look at basketball in a different way. She has focused on the small things that can change the outcome of a game. This method of coaching demands 100 percent from the players to be successful. I had trouble wrapping my head around what she called the system in the beginning. However, day in and day out with hard work, dedication and practice, the system began working. Coach Eaton has changed my outlook of the game for the better. I love this system because it will always demand 100 percent from each player. From making a game winning three or learning a defense in practice. Coach Eaton has showed me that each player on the team has an importance from the super star to the last girl on the bench. In fact, when I bought into her system and believed in myself it led to a great season for me individually. I have learned so much from coach, I want to share my knowledge with all of you. As your assistant coach, my advice to you is to always work 100 percent to not only succeed individually but also succeed as a team.
It was a privilege playing basketball for UPG for four years and I am so excited to be part of the coaching staff this year.
Coach Pioli
