Coaching high school basketball feels like a full-time job in itself. Even outside of game and practices, coaches are busy building practice plans, analyzing film, traveling to scout opponents and watching more basketball to better themselves. But for the vast majority, coaching at the high school level is not a primary source of income. Coaches often work as teachers or administrators in their own or another school system, or have a different job entirely.
"It really is just two full-time jobs that you're trying to keep going," Norwood girls coach Kristen McDonnell said. "It's a whirlwind. I say goodbye to my friends in December usually, and say I'll see you again in March."
So how do they manage both commitments, and how do they find time to improve?
We went to five well-known MIAA coaches for insight: Amy Dolores (Bishop Feehan), Alan Hibino (Andover), Shantell Jeter (Belmont), McDonnell (Norwood) and Steve Solly (Lexington). Here are their thoughts.