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Coach LaScala
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In-Season

Mentoring Program

Every freshman is paired with a senior mentor from day one. The program runs through the season with monthly check-ins, shared expectations, and a final reflection. It builds leadership in our veterans and belonging in our newest players.

Pairing and Structure

  1. 01Pairs assigned before the first official practice — consider personality, position, and schedule compatibility.
  2. 02Mentor meets mentee the week before practice starts: introduce families, exchange numbers, set the first check-in.
  3. 03Monthly 1:1 meeting (20 minutes) — lunch, study hall, or pre-practice. Mentor uses the guided prompt sheet.
  4. 04Mid-season feedback: mentee rates the relationship anonymously; mentor gets coaching on how to improve.
  5. 05End-of-season reflection: both write one page on what they learned. Shared at the banquet.

Mentor Expectations

  • Check in every school day — a text, a seat at lunch, a ride to practice.
  • Teach the unwritten rules: how to dress on game day, how to talk to coaches, how to handle a bad practice.
  • Hold the standard: if the mentee is late, the mentor walks him in. Accountability without snitching.
  • Be the bridge: when a freshman is struggling, the mentor brings it to the staff before it becomes a problem.

Mentee Expectations

  • Reach out first sometimes — don't wait to be rescued.
  • Ask questions: about school, about social life, about what it takes to play here.
  • Accept feedback without defensiveness. The mentor has walked the same hallway.
  • Pass it on: by sophomore year, mentor the next freshman class.

Monthly Check-In Prompts

  1. 01How is school going — any classes or teachers you're worried about?
  2. 02How are you feeling in practice — confident, overwhelmed, tired?
  3. 03Are you connected to teammates outside of basketball?
  4. 04What's one thing you're proud of this month?
  5. 05What's one thing you want to get better at before next month?

Accountability

Mentors are evaluated in their leadership grade at the end of the season. A great mentor is as valuable as a great scorer. The best mentoring pairs are recognized at the team banquet with a dedicated award.