WHERE ARE THEY NOW? KELLI LAYMAN
Q&A KELLI with
How did you get your team to buy into your philosophy as a coach? “Because they saw we worked as hard as they did. From a coaching standpoint, we ran with them in the morning and every workout we were there. We would explain to them what we were doing and why we were doing it, and always told them that, you feel tired, you feel all that stuff, but when you get into the game, that adrenaline will start. Also, I don’t think either of us were big yellers, we were more explainers, because we know as coaches you can’t constantly be in a winning realm.” 98
Looking back on your time as a coach, what are your thoughts now? What are some outstanding memories? “Of course the national championships are big, but more than that is watching each student-athlete grow, from their freshman year to when they walk out the door. Wins and losses, no one remembers to be quite honest. It’s how successful those student-athletes were after they left here. Sports is about life if you teach it right. Adversity, passion, teamwork, it’s all about that.” Would you ever consider returning to coaching? “You know, you have thoughts of
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it. I really enjoyed coaching. It’s funny because I’ve been asked that question a lot lately. I’m a teacher at heart so I like the one-on-one on the court. I still get to do that teaching because I’m helping students in a variety of areas, but it’s different. I work more hours now than I did as a coach, and I couldn’t have conceivably thought that could ever happen. The amount of travel wears on you. It’s fun at first, but after awhile it’s like, ‘Where are my 15 kids? I’ve got to make sure they get on the plane.’” * * *