VANDENBOER ENJOYS COACHING ‘LIFE LESSONS’

During a break between recent games, Jeremy Vandenboer, head coach of the MHCC women’s basketball team, shared thoughts and insights about his third year leading the Saints, and his fourth year at Mt. Hood, overall.

It’s been another successful year for the Saints, both in recruiting and play on the court, Vandenboer said.

Through Wednesday’s games (including an 83-74 loss to Clackamas that evening), the Saints were 11-5 overall, 3-1 in NWAC South Division play.

“There’s a great sense of community among this basketball team and they hope to go to the playoffs,” the coach said. The necessary ingredients to winning, he said, are “hard work, (practice) time, and attention to detail.” 

Vandenboer’s team for 2019-20 includes seven players from outside Oregon. When it comes to recruiting new prospects, he said he talks “openly and honestly, pointing to the opportunities and letting them decide what they want to try.” 

As for any multiple-sport athletes, Vandenboer said, “It’s difficult to juggle school and sports and there needs to be a balance in order to succeed.” He said he supports those women, however he can. “I want them to be mentally sure, (so) they’re not too tired.”

At a two-year college such as Mt. Hood, the roster rolls over quickly. Some players compete for two years; others, perhaps just one year before they move on. Either way, Vandenboer said he enjoys getting to know them and watching them grow, develop and learn. That means learning to work as a team, besides seeking individual improvement.

“Greatness is doing the little things day in and day out to arrive at a goal,” he said. “It’s important to ‘embrace the role.’ ”

That’s where the daily teaching reaches beyond the basketball court. Vandenboer said he enjoys teaching his players “life lessons” and encourages them to not just give up, when things aren’t going their way – but rather, to fight. And how to keep at it.

“It’s hard to achieve, if you’re not out of your comfort zone,” he said. He tries to teach “how to do college out of your comfort zone, facing adversity and persevering with enjoyment,” he said. “(For many players) it’s their first time away from home, in their first apartment,” he said. Sometimes, he’ll ask them about how they cook, or keep up their apartment.

“I want them to have good memories, (so) I take them traveling on trips, getting to know them (along the way),” he said.

So far this winter, the journey has been a good one.

The Saints travel to Roseburg to face Umpqua Community College on Saturday.

They return to Gresham for two home games, against Lane Community College at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, and against Portland Community College at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22.