Darien High School, located in the heart of Connecticut, has recently introduced the basketball teams to their season and its already impressive athletic program. This winter addition has excitement and anticipation among the community. The comeback of these teams is a testament to Darien High School’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for its students. Having both boys and girls teams, the school aims for inclusivity and gender equality in sports. This move also reflects the growing popularity of basketball as a sport among high school students.
The boy’s basketball games always bring great energy to DHS’s winter sports. This year they welcomed a new coach, Mr. Matt Menard. I have heard many great things about the new coach but I decided to ask him some interview questions myself. Take a look.
Reese: What does the team have in store for this year? Any new and exciting things?
Coach Menard: This is a team that any coach would be honored to coach. The players and coaches stick together as a family having each other’s back. We have all grade levels contributing at the varsity level and balanced play style on both sides of the ball.
Reese: What are the changes from last year to this year?
Coach Menard: The most important change is the way we conduct ourselves as a program. We head into every practice, game, and event prepared to represent ourselves with class and give the best version of ourselves. We emphasize having fun together no matter what we do, too.
Reese: What are you most looking forward to?
Coach Menard: I am most looking forward to continuing to build relationships with our players and coaches. It has been exciting lately at practice hearing from our seniors getting accepted into colleges. These student athletes are nothing short of truly outstanding.
In addition to the boys gaining positives this season, this year, the girls team also welcomed new coaching staff. Introducing Ms. Stephanie Roones, the new head coach for the Varsity Girls Basketball team. I was interested in “Coach Steph’s” debut here at DHS, so organized a short interview with her. I asked her detailed questions about her new position here, what the team will be up to this winter, and more.
Rose: What are you looking forward to?
Coach Steph: I’m looking forward to the little things, like the bus rides there and back are a great time for players to bond and get to know each other, and team dinners. Those moments in games where one player does something great and everyone else is super excited for them. All of those team things are a highlight for me.
Rose: What does the team have in store for this year?
Coach Steph: A lot of team bonding activities, we are going to the UConn game this Saturday (12/16), which is super exciting . . . with gingerbread house competitions, secret Santa, and of course many games.
Rose: What are you most nervous about this season?
Coach Steph: I guess all the little things, like interviews, speeches at the end-of-the-year banquet. Taking on this role against coaches with very strong reputations is nerve-wracking; but I’m up for the challenge.
Sounds like both coaches are full of determination and excitement. The boy’s games are characterized by fast-paced action, powerful dunks, and aggressive defense. On the other hand, girls’ basketball emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and finesse. But something the teams have in common is how eager the players, coaches, fans, and the community of Darien are to see what they do.
Check out the Darien High School website under athletics for the full schedules of this year’s basketball season.
