Jenna Lusby, a distinguished former star player at Norwin, has recently assumed the position of head coach for the Lady Jayhawks at Jeannette, marking a significant milestone in her basketball career. At 26 years of age, Lusby is poised to embrace the challenge of coaching at the high school level following a successful collegiate tenure at Pitt-Greensburg and La Roche.
Transitioning from her role as a player, Lusby has found herself compelled to pursue coaching as the next phase of her basketball odyssey. Her background as a double-double producing forward, securing two WPIAL championships at Norwin and an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference title at La Roche, has undoubtedly equipped her for this new endeavor.
The Lady Jayhawks’ program has encountered notable obstacles, evident in their struggles to field a complete five-player rotation last season, often culminating in games concluding with only three players on the court. Despite these challenges, former coach Anna Leonard guided the team to an 8-10 record and secured a WPIAL Class A playoff berth.
Lusby’s primary objective is to bolster participation and reinforce the program’s support base, with the aim of attracting a larger contingent of aspiring female athletes. Her illustrious playing career and previous role as an assistant at La Roche render her an invaluable asset to the Jeannette coaching staff.
Adrian Batts, athletic director at Jeannette, has expressed his elation at Lusby’s arrival, commending her illustrious track record in both high school and collegiate basketball. Her wealth of experience and expertise will undoubtedly be of immense benefit to the girls, furnishing them with invaluable knowledge and fostering trust in their new coach. Lusby’s exceptional performance as a 20-point scorer at La Roche and her previous recognition as the AMCC Player of the Year have indelibly etched her mark on the basketball realm.
In addition to her playing career, Lusby’s vocation as an adult probation officer has endowed her with the requisite skills to comprehend and navigate the human element inherent in coaching. Her capacity to make judicious decisions and defuse challenging situations is poised to prove invaluable in her new role.
Lusby is impassioned about imparting her knowledge and experiences to the girls, stressing the significance of both hard work and enjoyment in the game. She harbours a firm belief that every victory and defeat represents an invaluable opportunity for growth and learning. Bolstered by the unwavering support of her husband, Lusby stands poised to lead the Lady Jayhawks to success on the court.
As she embarks on this new juncture in her basketball journey, Lusby is resolute in drawing from the wisdom gleaned from her own coaches, aspiring to adopt a balanced and empathetic approach to coaching. Her ultimate aspiration is to cultivate a team that not only triumphs in competition but also relishes every moment on the court.
Through her ardour, determination, and extensive experience, Jenna Lusby is poised to lead the Lady Jayhawks to a promising future on the basketball court. Her unwavering dedication to the sport and her team is certain to engender a lasting impact on the Jeannette girls basketball programme.