This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Brennan Murray
Women’s basketball head coach Jonathan Tsipis took to the Web this morning to interact with the community for the first time since his hire.
Tsipis answered questions about his goals and expectations for the upcoming season as he transitions into a head coaching role after nine years as the assistant at Notre Dame. He acknowledged that “everything is new,” but said a fresh perspective is valuable for both players and coaches.
Tsipis also announced that in addition to the hire of Megan Duffy as his associate head coach, a second assistant coach recently signed on with the Colonials. He declined to delve into specifics until the hire is official.
“There are just a lot of first time experiences. As a first-time head coach, and in some ways the players, no matter what their year is, it’s like going through your freshman year again,” Tsipis said. “I look at that with a kind of with the optimistic view that I think that’s a good thing, that we’re all on the same page.”
When asked about the style of play he intends to bring to the Smith Center, Tsipis underlined his desire to create a fast-paced, offensive-minded team. On the defensive side, Tsipis said he hopes the Colonials bring a powerful performance that will prompt other teams to adjust their play mid-game.
“I’d like to play fast, I’d like to get out in transition,” Tsispis said. “But you have to be good defensively to do that. I’m not interested in winning games 90-88. One of the things I think I’ve stressed to the girls already is that we have to be the best team in the A-10.”
Tsipis addressed the team’s recruiting situation, saying that the four recruits former head coach Mike Bozeman intended to add to the squad still plan on coming to GW. The new head coach has visited three of the incoming recruits, he said, and intends to travel to meet the fourth in person this weekend.
Speaking to the past success of international recruits with the Colonials, Tsipis said is looking to “tap into” recruiting internationally.
“You can bring an international student in here and there’s that comfort level, whether they can walk by their embassy or there’s people from their home country here.” Tsipis said. “In recruiting, I’d be remiss to say that’s not something that I’m going to attack with a fever pitch.”
