The Next
USD 348 BHS Coaches
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GENERATION Baldwin City's Rising Coaching Stars Story by Jackie Hostetler | Photographs by Keara Torkelson
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n the fields and in the gymnasiums of USD #348, a new generation of coaches is taking the helm, bringing fresh energy and deep community connections to the athletic programs. Three standout coaches, representing elementary, junior high, and high school levels, are shaping the future of Bulldog athletics with their unique blend of passion, dedication, and hometown pride. From Primary to Varsity At the elementary level, Coach Kara Roland is laying the foundation for future Bulldog basketball players. Now in her tenth year of teaching and entering her second season as head basketball coach, Roland embodies the "best of both worlds" philosophy. "I get my littles, and they're a lot of fun. Then I get to go up to the high school girls, and they're also a lot of fun," she explains. "It's two totally different kinds of fun." Roland's connection to her players runs deep. The incoming juniors were second graders during her first year of teaching, creating a special bond that has evolved over nearly a
decade. "That's a very special group," she reflects. "They've been there for a lot of firsts for me; my first year as a teacher, my first year as a head coach." Her approach to coaching emphasizes balance. "I always tell them not to take everything so seriously. We have fun at the same time and try to find a really good balance. It is a competitive sport, but I also want to build a culture where everybody feels welcome and has fun at the same time." This philosophy paid off in her first season as head coach, leading the team to a 13-8 record while maintaining team chemistry through bonding activities and skill development. Leading By Example At the junior high level, Coach Jesse Austin represents the homegrown talent that makes Baldwin City athletics special. A 2011 Baldwin High graduate, Austin is now in his tenth year of teaching and has become the backbone of the district's athletic programs, coaching high school football, junior high and high school wrestling, and junior high track.
"I want them to always look back on their time here and feel like their coaches cared about them" -Jesse Austin Coaches Jesse Austin, Kara Roland, and Jeff Melcher bring fresh energy and hometown pride to Baldwin athletics.