6th Grade Girls - WESCO
Zach Ward (HC)
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to coaching?
I’ve always had a love for basketball and the lessons the game teaches about teamwork and perseverance. I was fortunate to have great coaches and mentors throughout my playing career and as a young coach. At Stanwood, we had a lot of success on the court, but it was always more about creating meaningful experiences for the kids. For me, coaching was about more than wins — it was about helping kids grow, compete, and prepare for life beyond the court.
2. How do you approach training and development for your athletes?
I approach training and development with a focus on the whole athlete — not just their skills on the court. That means building fundamentals, strength, and conditioning, but also emphasizing teamwork, decision-making, and mental toughness. My goal is to create an environment where athletes can grow, challenge themselves, and gain the confidence and life skills that extend beyond sports.
3. What inspires you as a coach?
What inspires me as a coach is seeing young people grow, both on and off the court. It’s not just about the wins or championships — it’s about helping athletes develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork, and creating experiences they’ll carry with them long after playing. Watching players embrace challenges, push themselves, and succeed in their own ways is what has always motivated me throughout my coaching career.
4. How do you build team spirit and camaraderie among your players?
I build team spirit and camaraderie by creating a culture where every player feels valued and part of something bigger than themselves. We focus on shared goals, accountability, and supporting one another, both on and off the court. Team activities, open communication, and celebrating each player’s contributions help foster trust and strong bonds that carry through the season and beyond.
5. What qualities do you look for in an athlete?
I look for athletes who are coachable, committed, and willing to work hard to improve themselves and the team. Beyond skill, I value players who demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and a positive attitude, both on and off the court. Ultimately, I want athletes who are motivated to grow, challenge themselves, and contribute to a culture of respect and accountability.
6. What is your coaching philosophy?
My coaching philosophy is about developing the whole athlete, on and off the court. I value leadership, accountability, and building a strong team culture where every player feels connected and committed. I also emphasize fundamentals, work ethic, and basketball IQ, with success measured not just in wins but in the growth and life lessons athletes carry forward.
Glenn Hinojosa
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to coaching?
My coaching journey began out of a need for dedicated leaders who could help young athletes grow both on and off the court. With a lifelong love of basketball, years of playing experience, and coaching in multiple recreation, AAU, and select leagues, I felt called to step into that role. Coaching allows me to invest fully in developing young talent and passing on the skills, knowledge, and passion I’ve gained over the years.
2. How do you approach training and development for your athletes?
I focus on skill acquisition and situational training. First, we build a strong foundation of fundamentals, then gradually apply those skills to game-like scenarios, and finally test them in live play. This progression helps athletes not only learn the “how” but also the “when” and “why” behind their decisions on the court.
3. What inspires you as a coach?
What inspires me most is seeing the joy on a young athlete’s face when they fall in love with the game. Watching them recognize the value of preparation, put in the work, and take pride in their growth is what drives me every day.
4. How do you build team spirit and camaraderie among your players?
Team spirit stems from fostering a genuine sense of community. The old saying, “There is no ‘I’ in team,” still holds true. We encourage players to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and grow together through challenges. It’s about lifting each other up and building a culture where every player feels valued.
5. What qualities do you look for in an athlete?
The two most important qualities I look for are attitude and effort. Natural skill can give some players an early edge, but over time, it’s the athletes who bring the right mindset and consistent effort who close that gap and often surpass it.
6. What is your coaching philosophy?
My coaching philosophy is rooted in the Japanese concept of “Kaizen,” the practice of continuous improvement. Growth doesn’t happen in giant leaps, it comes through small, consistent steps taken day after day. Players who embrace that process know that steady progress leads to lasting success.