Coaching Philosophies
I see myself more as a mentor than solely a coach. I desire to offer guidance to not only my players, but to other coaches. I offer guidance and support in life skills, education and in personal growth for everyone needing me.
“Working with Coach T has taught me invaluable lessons I still carry into my coaching career today. She’s a true mentor, who uses the game of basketball to instill champion-like qualities for players and assistant coaches to carry into their future career; whether it’s in sports or not. I’m grateful to have worked with a National Champion & Hall of Fame Coach; although you wouldn’t know her long list of accomplishments in this game by the humility she carries herself with day in and day out.”
I prioritize player development over win-loss records. I believe this will pave the way for lasting success in my student athletes.
It is essential for me that we uphold respect for opponents, officials, and teammates alike. This respect is to also extend to the world outside of sport.
Health and safety are first and foremost when it comes to my athletes. No victory is worth risking the well-being of my athletes.
I teach players how to find the joy in each and every situation. I aim to nurture athletes who maintain optimism and positivity, even in challenging situations.
We aim for success; however, we never forget to emphasize fun. Being the first three letters of FUNdamental tells you much about this word’s importance in life.
TEAM to me is Together Everyone Achieves More. “If one cooks we all eat” is my personal philosophy within ever aspect of my life. In my view, collective effort trumps solo brilliance. Therefore, I focus on nurturing cohesion and fostering a team-first mentality.
Basketball is a true character-building arena. My goal is to shape athletes who are not just skilled but also possess strong moral integrity.
Sport is the ultimate learning platform. Games are used as opportunities for teaching and refining necessary skills used in life after basketball.
I build positive mindsets.
I stress the importance of character and integrity in all aspects of life.
I promote lifelong learning, not just game specific skills. Skills learned on the court can be the most valuable of life lessons.
I highly value relationships with my players.
Leadership by example is a core value of mine.
I task myself with the cultivation of confidence with my athletes by fostering an environment where they feel empowered to perform.
It’s important to strengthen the mental fortitude of my athletes to help them learn to overcome adversities on and off the court.
I instill the importance of perpetual learning and the fact that the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.
Lack of discipline and commitment are deal breakers within my program.
Each athlete has a unique strength and my goal is to recognize and build on those.
“Trenia Tillis-Hoard is a smalltown girl with big time aspirations. She has succeeded at all levels and I’m proud to say I coached an All American at Stephen F. Austin University and coached with her on my staff at University of Arkansas as we climbed the ladder and reached the Final Four in 1998.
When she was ready to take the reins at the best junior college in the country (Tyler), I encouraged her to go home and recruit Texas first, but compete for National Championships in the hardest JuCo conference in the country.
She has delivered at the highest level- 2 national championships, many trips to the JuCo championship tournament. She does it with her teaching and communication skills. Never met a stranger, never met a problem she couldn’t solve.
Hall of Famer as a player and coach but more important- a hall of famer to her family, her husband, her players, her colleagues, and to the game.
If you want to be a success on the court and in the classroom and be told the truth, PLAY FOR TRENIA.”