Elon WBB Duo to Participate in “So You Want To Be A Coach” Program

ATLANTA – The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced on March 1 its 14th annual WBCA “So You Want To Be A Coach” program. Elon women’s basketball seniors Josepha Mbouma and Nicole Razor are two of 75 current players selected to participate in the three-day workshop held April 1 – 3 in conjunction with the WBCA National Convention in Indianapolis.

The objectives of the “So” program are to increase the understanding and application of skills necessary to secure coaching positions in women’s basketball, increase the understanding and awareness of competencies necessary for success in coaching, introduce female basketball players to coaches and administrators, raise awareness of the existing talent pool of female basketball players who have a passion and interest in coaching the game of women’s basketball.

Previously, Elon has had one student-athlete participate in the program when Kelsey Harris was selected in 2014. Both Mbouma and Razor learned about the program then and were encouraged to apply by the Elon coaching staff.

“Since I’m a huge basketball enthusiast, I was excited at the opportunity to be at the final four and around other like minded people, so I applied,” said Mbouma. “I’m hoping to gain inside knowledge on coaching, as well as make connections with other students and coaches.”

Razor, who is in the process of applying to graduate school and hopes for a graduate assistant position, is looking at this as both a learning experience and professional stepping stone to get her foot in the door of the coaching world.

“Going into this experience I’m hoping to learn more about the behind the scenes aspect of coaching that we as players don’t get to see,” said Razor. “For example, all that goes into administrative side of coaching, skill development, as well as recruiting. More than anything, I look forward to the opportunity to network with and meet new coaches. I look forward to gaining more knowledge about the skills needed in securing a coaching position, as well as what it takes to be a successful coach on this level.”

“So” participants will learn about recruiting, the administrative side of coaching, how to get hired, skill development, the importance of knowing the rules and how to balance work and life.

“‘So You Want To Be A Coach’ is a premier program for student athletes who want to transition into the field of coaching,” said Elon head coach Charlotte Smith. “It is an outstanding program that gives you an in-depth look at coaching and an opportunity to hear speakers who are some of the top coaches in the country. One of my favorite parts of the program is teaching them interviewing skills for jobs. They will have the opportunity to be interviewed by several college coaches and get immediate feedback on the process. They will gain a wealth of knowledge and insight at the program during the Final Four. It is a great learning environment and springboard to their coaching careers.”

Qualified candidates must have exhausted their final year of basketball eligibility at a four-year institution or have graduated within the past year. In addition, the candidate’s head coach must be an active WBCA member and nominate them. Each participant is selected based on her academics, contributions to women’s basketball on and off the court, professional resume and a written recommendation from her head coach.