From player to coach, from girls’ game to boys’

On practice days during basketball season, the gym where the Camden County Tech boys' team runs drills looks just like any other high school gym.

However, there is one thing different at Camden County Tech. In the middle of the court, holding two basketballs, eyes darting from player to player as they perform layup drills, is one of the program's assistant coaches, Caitlin Walsh.

It is not uncommon to see men coaching women. It's much rarer, although not unprecedented, for women to coach men.

But if there were ever any concerns about a woman coaching a boys' team, they have clearly evaporated at Camden County Tech.

"Oh, Coach Walsh? She's really tough," Camden County Tech forward Alfonzo Pitts said.

Walsh, a former post player, works primarily with forwards and centers. During a recent practice, when the team split into guards and post players, Walsh took control of a drill to help with offense and defense in the post.

She doesn't just yell instructions. She gets right on the block and shows her players how to call for a pass properly or how to read the defense and make a strong move to the basket.

Malik Gosha, another forward, credits her with improving his tenacity and moves in the post.

"She actually shows us how to be tough in the post," said Gosha, who doesn't see any problems with having a female coach, "No issues. To have a female coach for the first time, it's interesting."

Pitts credits Walsh with his improvement, too.

"She helped me get better, especially with post moves and free throws," Pitts said. "She's tough, and she's really smart. She makes the game make more sense."

Walsh is familiar with the New Jersey high school basketball landscape. She was four-year player at Highland and a member of its dominant 28-1 team that lost in the Group 3 state semifinals to Willingboro in 2004.

Walsh described herself as a support player on those Highland teams and credits her experiences for her ability as a coach.

"At Highland, I was able to see what everyone needs to do at the same time," Walsh said. "Play for each other, [former Highland] coach [Dan] McGettigan always said."

Walsh's road to Camden County Tech did not begin with basketball. She was hired as a math teacher after graduating from Rowan University in December 2009. It wasn't until the spring that she became involved with the basketball program.

Along with serving as an assistant to the varsity team, Walsh also is head coach of the junior varsity.

"She's been amazing. She's a heck of a leader," Camden County Tech head coach Bob Sweeney said. "She's knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and she's got a presence about her that helps.

"You can see that she has head-coaching qualities. When somebody is a coach, you can see it."

The team has struggled this season with only a 4-17 record, but that hasn't deterred Walsh.

"The biggest thing I say is to play with confidence. If you do, it's going to show when you play," Walsh said.

"I'm about passion. Five players who want to win one game at one time."