When Coach Mel Parker anticipated tryouts for the Hanford West basketball program in the fall, he was excited to grow players as athletes and people. Now deep into the season, he’s seeing his early aspirations come to life, and the players are learning critical lessons about what it takes to persevere.
“We’ve got some life lessons going on. Like, we’re going through a little time right now. I explain to them, this is how life is too. You go through tough times, but…you get on the other side,” Parker claimed.
While they grow as athletes, Parker said they’re also building their literacy and life skills through THE MJ PROJECT’s Every Player a Book program, where students received books of interest and Parker implements quotes of inspiration before select games from Kwame Alexander’s The Playbook.
He believes there is a connection between many players’ reading and a growing maturity, that includes the gratitude players show when receiving books.
“They’re being given something, and they’re not expected [to give] anything back. I think…they feel a part of something,” Parker said.
As the season continues to evolve, he hopes that the team shows more collaboration on the court and that the season ends in a rewarding way.
“I want them to play to the best of their ability and be able to live with the results,” Parker stated. “It’d be nice if they win a championship, but…it’s more about the camaraderie and making lifetime memories [and] life lessons that you’ll never forget.”
Awesome coach, awesome program!!!