By Tom Rohrer
Losing may be a part of sports, but it’s a minor and nearly non-existent detail for the middle school girls basketball teams coached by Andy Thielen.
Thielen, who coached a team of soon to be Olympia High School girls since June of 2011 along with a team comprised of seventh grade students, has seen his teams put forth tremendous, winning efforts in various tournaments and leagues across Thurston County and the Pacific Northwest.
Recently, Thielen coached Olympia School District seventh graders Loren Thomas, Miranda Neal, Hanna Knight and his daughter Sonya to a first place finish within their division at Hoopfest in Spokane, held on the last weekend of June. From June 2011 to May of 2012, the Olympia Bears 8th grade team coached by Thielen went 50-0, winning three leagues and six tournaments, which were held in various locations such as Seaside, Ore., Olympia, Tumwater and Chehalis. Thielen credits his team’s success to the player’s dedication, attitude, and passion for the game.
“Their commitment and hard work leads to wins,” Thielen said of both his teams. “The younger group, they come practice with the older team, and they have put in the work. All these girls love the game and enjoy playing, and will do whatever it takes to succeed. We played in about a tournament or two per month with practices every week. It’s a commitment on the kid’s part and the family to travel to all these games to put in the time.
The terrific performances by the middle school students have earned the attention of the coaching staff at Olympia High School, where the girls will eventually continue their scholastic careers.
“The OHS coaches knew about the team, and they are very excited about the new group,” Thielen said. “I would have parents and other coaches come talk to me and ask how many different high schools the girls would end up attending and they were always surprised to learn it was just Olympia. “
With a majority of the girls playing together since elementary school, their teamwork and terrific team play should come as no surprise.
“Some have played together since 2nd third grade, or sixth grade, so they are familiar with one another,” Thielen noted. “A lot of girls played on Dunker team coached by Jeff Randich, and he moved on to coach at high school level, so I took the kids he previously coached. He was a great teacher of fundamental skills. They play so well together as a team, and they know where they will be on the court and trust each other.”
Thielen believes the 8th grade team will be ready immediately for high school competition, as they not only played, but dominated while playing in a ninth grade league in the Olympia and Tumwater this last year.
“They played in a 8th and 9th grade competitive league and didn’t lose,” Thielen said. “So they really know what to expect. They are familiar with the program they are entering and know what it takes to succeed. It will be exciting to pass them on to the high school coaches and they are all prepared for it, and are ready to play together. They are such a tight group.”
An experience like Hoopfest, which can be chaotic due to immense crowds, overbearing heat and un-even playing surfaces, is something Thielen hopes will build confidence in his younger players.
“Winning the tournament, that was big,” Thielen said. “It’s not a school event, but it’s a competition, and everyone wants to win. You’re a little out of your element over there as a coach and player, so to come away with the victory was huge, and I know the girls will remember it.”
However, the winning will not go to either one of Thielen’s teams.
“There not cocky, but they walk onto the court and are confident knowing they have put in the time and the practice thousands of times,” Thielen said. “They expect to win.”
