Coaches Corner
Fall is here! What a beautiful time of year on the Eastern Shore. Even better? Washington College MBB has returned and practices are underway. It has been fantastic to welcome our student athletes back for what will be an exciting season.
The past six weeks we have worked as a team to create an identity- one that connects throughout the entire program. Our mantra this year is 'everyone counts or no one counts' and the value of the team. We have also tried different training methods, including a session at Slack Tide Yoga in Chestertown. Our collective flexibility could use some work, but coach Adriane Watson led the way.
Other happenings in Flock land? We posted our 2024-2025 schedule, which includes multiple tournaments, D1 exhibitions, and exciting new matchups. We completed our fall mini-camp: competing, connecting and communicating. We also gave back to our local community with food drives and helping with the Chestertown Jazz festival setup.
There are more updates to come in future weeks -roster release, open practice dates, media day... stay tuned! The Flock is in formation.
Coach Begly
Talk with the Flock
Throughout the year, we bring in different professionals, business owners and alumni to help guide and help us improve. This fall, we worked together to examine and challenge our collective comfort zones. One area we found worth examining was different forms of exercise, flexibility, breathing and mindfulness. Enter Slack Tide Yoga! We were fortunate to partner with Adriane Watson, founder of Slack Tide, the new yoga studio in town.
We worked for 90 minutes on breathing, flexibility and areas of improvement. Below are thoughts from Adriane.
Above all, Slack Tide Yoga is a space for community gathering, where people of all abilities join together to begin the exciting exploration of a yoga practice. We welcome all kinds of kinds, as we believe there is always something to discover, regardless of your experience level. Our vastly experienced and compassionate team is attentive to each student’s individual needs and goals as they learn the physical and mental benefits of yoga.- Adriane Watson
Mini Camp 2024
Fall 2024 is the second year that allowed fall practices! We took the court in mid September- early October, working together and competing. What a great way to start the year.
It was great to hit the ground running early. The fall practices were essential for building our team culture and standards. - Precieux Tshibangu
I felt everyone competed hard and pushed each other to get better. It gave us an opportunity to build habits to be successful for the upcoming season.- Ethan Schwantes
Community service
One point of pride as a program is giving back to the local community. This fall we partnered with the Chestertown Jazz festival, and assisted with their event. We even got a little lift in with the tables... more to come with clinics, school visits, etc. as the year progresses.
Schedule.....ready... Go.
Our schedule for 2024-2025 is complete and posted! Our first contest is just 29 days away...
- Multiple tournaments near NYC and Scranton. Opening games: November 8th and 9th at Sarah Lawrence, NY (Academic Classic).
- Three home games in a row: 11/12, 11/14, 11/16. Stay tuned for themes!
- Two division 1 exhibitions in November to test our mettle: Nov. 4th At VMI and Nov. 25th At Navy.
- First semester home games including an early December tilt (Dec. 4th) v Eastern Shore rival Salisbury.
- New Centennial divisional format.
Alumni Assists with Nick Romeo '23
Our featured alumni is Nick Romeo, class of 2023. Nick is a former team captain and big supporter of WAC MBB. We caught up last week in regards to his time at WAC and post graduation path.
Q1. What can you share with us about your Washington College experience?
A: The experience I had at WAC is something that I have not taken for granted. I had an amazing four years on the court, especially the relationships I made with all of my teammates throughout the years, which have been unforgettable and something that I will cherish forever. Additionally, being able to get an amazing education from professors who truly care about their students succeeding has guided me to the path that I am on today.
Q2. What were some of your best moments as a student-athlete?
A: Some of my best moments were early on when we made the Centennial Conference tournament and the success that we had over the course of my first two seasons. I was very fortunate to have amazing upperclassmen and captains during my first two years, and learning and converting some of their leadership abilities into my final two years when I was captain was very beneficial. I truly mean it when I say those guys are all brothers to me, and some of my best moments in college were just hanging out with them outside of basketball and the classroom. I’m grateful to keep in touch with many of them as it really feels like a family.
Q3. What are you doing now in a professional sense?
A: Currently, I am in my first year of dental school at High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine. I spent a year after graduation working at a dental practice and applying to schools. I am grateful for the opportunity HPU has given me, and it has been an amazing start at this incredible school. I received my white coat at a ceremony held in the middle of September and am now going out to clinics around the area in North Carolina in addition to classes.
Q4: How do you think the fantastic alumni can support the program?
I believe that having the alumni continue to stay updated with the team and having ways to connect with the past, present, and future players could help grow the team and continue the progression of the program.
Final notes!
Events on the horizon? Roster reveal. Open practice dates for the public. Alumni day and gatherings. Camp dates! And most importantly... another season of WAC MBB.
Alumni and friends of the program. Please reach out anytime to Coach Begly and Coach King at cbegly2@washcoll.edu. Be on the lookout for future alumni gathering dates and events. The flock is in formation!