Priyanka Srivastava
Staff Writer
As we enter the 2014-2015 season of Girls’ Basketball, we have to say good bye to our beloved Coach Scott Nails and Coach Liz Roemmele. Coach Nails has been the head basketball coach for 6 seasons, is pursuing a coaching job at Rye Country Day School in Rye, New York. Coach Liz, the freshman coach and assistant varsity coach for the 2013-2014 season, has taken up a position at the same school. The duo will be greatly missed by players and the Foran community.
Coach Nails and Coach Liz have created a very successful program here. The team won the Hammonasset division in 2013 for the first time since 1976. Foran alum, an All-State athlete, and Co-Captain of the team for the 2013-2014 season Teneya McLaughlin said, “He has definitely made a name for the woman’s basketball program and bringing the first Hammonasset championship banner for women’s basketball to Foran had a lot to do with him, not just the players. Without a coach to help you, a team can’t succeed and he was definitely a great coach.” McLaughlin has gone on to continue her basketball career at Assumption College, and Coach Nails has always emphasized the importance of being a successful student before being successful athlete. “Coach Nails has taught me just how important grades are for me to be able to play,” said McLaughlin. “He always asked about grades because they come before basketball and I still have that mindset now while playing college basketball.”
Coach Nails did indeed bring the best out of his players, too. Foran alum Lucy Weissauer, a Co-Captain for the 2013-2014 season of basketball as well as the 2013 season of volleyball, and “Mother Goose” to her teammates said, “ Coach Nails helped me realize my potential to lead. He gave me a lot of responsibility and expected a lot out of me, which really helped me to grow as a leader.” During her time here, Weissauer was a natural leader and encouraged everyone to do their best. The lessons Coach Nails taught his players definitely resonated with her.
Coach Nails also brought a positive attitude to practice and encouraged everyone to work the best of their ability. On the practices, Weissauer said, “My favorite memories with Coach Nails are the practices. We had a lot of fun moments as a team. I’ll miss his humor and intensity. There was never a dull moment on the team with Nails as coach and he was great at motivating us and getting everyone excited to be there”. On his lighthearted and fun outlook, McLaughlin said, “My favorite memory with Coach Nails was how he had nicknames for everyone according to their personality. It made everything less serious and easier to enjoy while still playing basketball and being a successful team. I’ll miss most how he was always laughing and bringing happiness to the team. Even though I graduated I was looking forward to coming back and seeing him coach Foran and being in that type of atmosphere. He will definitely be missed in the Foran community.”
Coach Liz, a new addition to the coaching staff last season, made a huge impact on the team and taught the players a lot. “Coach Liz helped me a lot because she played college basketball so it was easier for me to relate to her,” said McLaughlin. “She was also a guard so she helped me learn some new moves and I will always be thankful for that. We still stay in touch whenever I have a question she’s right there to answer it”. Sophomore and returning varsity player Jessica McQuade said, “Liz was always there for me no matter what. She always offered me help when I needed it. If I ever had a bad game she would go to me and tell me that it happens to everybody and to try even harder next game. She helped me become a better point guard and the skills that she has taught me will be with me forever”. Coach Liz was a valuable asset to the team, and the lessons she taught our Lady Lion basketball players are greatly appreciated.
As we look forward to the season, the team is very excited to get back in it and start competing. On the upcoming season, McQuade said, “Even though he is gone, I am still very excited for this season. I am excited to start practicing and to meet the new girls on the team and to bond with team even more. This year is going to be a year of trying to re-figure ourselves out. We have new coaches and new players so this year is going to be hard but we have to go with what we have”.
On behalf of the Girls’ Basketball team and the Foran community, we say thank you to Coach Nails and Coach Liz and wish them the best of luck!
