Women’s Basketball lines up in a game against Newport News Apprentice School on February 8.
James Hill|Courtesy
The Women’s Basketball team, once a powerhouse in their conference, has recently faced a string of challenges that have led to a period of rebuilding. The team has encountered difficulties in maintaining their previous levels of success. However, there is a sense of determination and resilience as they strive to turn things around and reclaim their spot as contenders in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).
One of the primary factors contributing to the team’s recent struggles has been a series of personnel changes. Graduation and injuries have depleted the team’s roster of key players, which left gaps in both talent and experience.
Furthermore, coaching changes have added another layer of complexity to the team’s rebuilding efforts. With the team having two new head coaches since 2021, the Marlins have struggled to adjust to new coaching philosophies, strategies and expectations. This struggle has manifested in their losing record, winning only 13 games in the past three seasons.
Shortly after the 2023-2024 season ended, a third coaching change was announced, and Megan Green was hired as head coach for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
Prior to joining the staff, Green served as the assistant coach at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In her first year at Dickinson, the team achieved a 17-8 record, and the coaching staff earned Coaching Staff of the Year honors for the Centennial Conference. During her second year with the program, Green played a big role in leading the team to a 19 win season, the best program record since 2007. Green also had coaching stints with Castleton University in Vermont and the University of Mary Washington.
“My plans for this program start with getting to know the current student-athletes and meeting them where they are. We are in this together and our growth will happen when we buy in to trusting each other and understanding what commitment and accountability look like,” Green said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with everyone individually already, and the hunger is there. They have all told me how they plan to get better over the summer and for the upcoming seniors— to leave the program better than they found it. We want to (and we will) find the joy in the process of this journey.”
Not only is Green ready to handle the on-court issues, but, with the help of her captains, she’s also ready to monitor the off-the-court challenges that athletes have to face, such as academic demands and personal issues. Green is looking to give the team consistency— something that has been missing from the program for a long time.
“My approach will be to always be authentically myself. I will never waiver from my expectations, and I will always show every one of these young women how much I care about them as people,” Green said.
Jada Norman, a rising senior, has seen a lot of player and coach movement within her three years at VWU.
“We ultimately wanted someone who was going to instill discipline in the team, but still make it an enjoyable environment for everyone and someone who brought in positivity. Also, just someone who knew the game and wanted to help us grow as a team and a program as a whole,” Norman said. “I think Coach Green is a really great fit for us in this transition period.”
While this transition period may be difficult and comes with uncertainty, the team is confident that with perseverance, drive and a collective effort, they can overcome adversity and reclaim their status as a dominant force in the ODAC.
Junior Mekayla Clarke shared how she persevered in the midst of the uncertainty of a coach.
“With the uncertainty of not having a coach, I just locked in and continued handling business. With or without a coach the grind doesn’t change, it makes me work harder,” Clarke said.
As they continue to work towards their goals, the Women’s Basketball team maintains the belief that adversity is not an obstacle but an opportunity for growth and redemption.
By: Kylon Lewis
khlewis@vwu.edu
