Q&A: New Oxford girls' coach James Kunkle
James Kunkle is entering his first year as girls' basketball coach at New Oxford High School. He sat down with GameTimePA.com to talk about the Colonials' upcoming season:
GameTimePA: What is biggest challenge in coaching today?
James Kunkle: In today’s society (it's) juggling girls with multiple sports. I am a big believer in multiple sports so I am flexible with that. I want them to enjoy their high school experience.
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GTPA: What is the difference between you as a coach and you as a player?
JK: (Laughs) When I was a player I understood my role — play good defense, control the ball and get it to the shooters. As you get older you get wiser. It’s a different perspective. I enjoy coaching a lot more than playing.
GTPA: Who is your personal/professional role model?
JK: I surrounded myself with a lot of great coaches, (Central York’s Kevin) Schieler, (York Catholic’s Kevin) Bankos, (Former West York girls’ coach Jon) Shultz. I try to take their styles, combine and take pieces from all of them.
GTPA: What was your best moment as a coach?
JK: Being an assistant at (the) JV level with Kevin Schieler. I got to coach Sam Saxton as a freshman and see them win counties was great. Also, going to play at York College for league championship and getting to go to Giant Center for districts with Shultz.
GTPA: As a coach new to your team, what are you hoping for this season?
JK:. Coming in and...over the summer was bond with the girls. Summer league, team camp, going over my philosophy and expectations. I let them know it’s their team I am just leading them.
GTPA: Briefly sum up you coaching philosophy?
JK: Definitely defensive minded. I like defense, aggressive girls and the style of basketball that defense turns to offense, an up tempo.
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