Amidst Loss, Woodbridge Coach Continues To Inspire Team

Patch and When the Game Stands Tall are asking about the coaches, teachers or mentors who inspired you.

Jodie Clarke of Woodbridge shared with us the story of her daughter’s coach, Tamika Dudley. Dudley coaches and teaches at Woodbridge Senior High School in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Jodie writes:

I would like to nominate my daughter’s basketball coach. Her name is Tamika Dudley. She is the head coach of the girls Varsity team at Woodbridge Senior High School, as well as a PE/Driver’s Education teacher. My daughter has played for her since 2011, her freshman year.

Coach Dudley pushes the girls hard. She played for WSHS and went on to a full scholarship at Long Island University. She has taken the team to LIU 2 years in a row to have our girls talk to the team so our girls can get a feel for what it is like to play in college and manage their grades at the same time. The second time we went, in addition to LIU, she also took them to Fordham University to get the perspective of another college team. During these trips to NYC, she also managed to show them a good time. The first year, we wen to the WTC Memorial so the girls could see the memorial first hand, And we also had some fun at the Toys R Us store. It was very memorable for all of the girls.

During her tenure at WSHS, (since 2011), the team has struggled to win. She has taught them that winning isn’t everything. She praises them highly when they win. When they lose, she helps them realize where they can improve without humiliating them in the process. And, when they lose, but play with everything they’ve got, she gives them a treat (like later practices on the weekend or no practice at all to show them she sees their extra hard work). She never calls out an individual in the group, but will talk to them separately when needed. She has a start of season meeting with each girl and their parents to let them know her expectations, and another meeting at them end of the season to let us know how she did and what she could improve on in the off season.

I think the best advice I have heard her give the girls is to play hard, but have fun in the process. She also connects lessons to everyday life and I truly think most of the girls are better people because they had had her in their lives. She has taught my daughter the meaning of respect and hard work. I have seen so much growth in my daughter over the last 3 years.

As far as teaching them how to succeed, she shows them how hard work pays off, not only in basketball, but in life, as well. She gives them the encouragement they need. She doesn’t baby them, but she treats them as adults and gives them the same respect they give her. She hosts a summer camp for 2 weeks each year for the kids in the community and the girls are the camp counselors/coaches. I think the way the girls coach and help with all the things pertaining to the camp is a direct reflection of Coach Dudley and how she does things. The girls have fun with the kids and guide them to give them the skills and confidence they need to improve their game. I think the girls can see when the kids they are coaching “get it”. And, I don’t believe the girls could do what they do without having Coach Dudley as their coach.

Coach Dudley has her own daughter, and even with her crazy schedule, she still manages to find opportunities to spend quality time with her daughter.

I think it is amazing how much she gives to her team, her family and the community. I know several people whose kids play sports, and when I tell them the things Coach Dudley does with/for them, they are amazed. They say they have never heard of a coach that gives so much. And, all she expects in return is respect and hard work.

To give you an idea of what her team thinks of her, here is a great example. Unfortunately, Coach Dudley recently lost her 20 year old niece. Her family held a Celebration of Life tonight to remember and pay tribute to her niece. Not only did several of her current players attend and share their thoughts and memories of her niece, but several former players came, as well. They shared memories of her niece and told the family they loved them and would be there for them if they needed anything. I think this is a huge testament to Coach Dudley.

Patch would like to know about the people in your life who inspired you. Tell us about the coach, mentor or teacher who made a difference in your life. Your mentor will be entered for a chance to win a prize package from Patch. All Everyday Hero submissions will be shared on Patch. Nominate your mentor here.