Name: Heather Wilson
Birthplace: Tennessee
One of your favorite songs: I Hope You Dance
Years coaching @ R.O.A.R: 2 years
What do you enjoy about teaching kids basketball? I have always had a passion for all sports, especially basketball. I love sharing this with kids who are eager to learn. Teamwork is a life skill and playing basketball is a healthy, active approach to learning this life lesson!
What kind of impact could R.O.A.R have played in your life as a kid? I did not start playing basketball until I was in the 6th grade. If I could have participated in ROAR as a young child, I would’ve had even more opportunities to learn about the game, as well as develop wonderful friendships with other players.
What is the most important thing you want the kids to learn from you as a person/coach? My hope is to teach the players that everyone can enjoy basketball, or any other sport. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s being a part of a team that makes playing a sport fun. We learn to encourage one another and help each other. Healthy competition is something we can all benefit from.
Name: Rusty Rushing
Birthplace: Rock Hill
One of your favorite songs: With Arms Wide Open
Years coaching @ R.O.A.R: 6
What do you enjoy about teaching kids basketball?
Growing up, basketball was my passion. I started playing in a Y league when I was in first grade and was hooked. Basketball taught me many life lessons, such as what it means to be part of a team and the importance of being a team player. Basketball also taught me how to win and lose with grace and humility, and that fundamentals, discipline, and strategy are the keys to success in anything that we do. I enjoy attempting to pass on these lessons to kids through the game that has given me so much.
What kind of impact could R.O.A.R have played in your life as a kid?
As mentioned, basketball taught me a great deal about life and I will forever be indebted to the game and the coaches that taught me the game. However, despite all that the game and my coaches taught me, they didn’t teach me about the greatest lesson in life, the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Had R.O.A.R. existed when I was young, perhaps I would have come to know what it means have a personal relationship with Christ at an earlier age and as a result made better decisions.
What is the most important thing you want the kids to learn from you as a person/coach?
I want the kids to learn that God loves them and wants to have a personal relationship with each of them.
