Andrew Hill High School coaches are looking forward to an exciting season for their basketball team this year. Joanne Winterstein is leading the team into the 2020-2021 season with high expectations for success. Winterstein’s overall goals for this season are grounded in hard-work and improvement. That is the key to success! She wants to ensure encouraging wins and losses throughout the season, but more importantly, each day in practice. 

Leadership and core players from last season have returned key to success this season. Nhi Lam, Jenny Huynh and Jeselle Tu are all returning players that possess exemplary work ethic and are open to being coached for further knowledge of their respective positions. They are the epitome of what Winterstein is looking for in her players. Along with these top players, Winterstein believes Jewell Rivera and Lian Ow can make an immediate impact on the team this season. 

Winterstein’s qualities for team captains are an excellent work ethic and the presence of a leader. Nhi Lam and Jenny Huynh have been recognized for showing their leadership ability in and out of the court. To implement team chemistry and camaraderie, Winterstein is planning a weeklong tournament in LA/Burbank, a bowling trip in LA, and a bouldering day in Santa Clara.

The players are constantly motivated by the positive reinforcement and a “never give up” mentality that Winterstein passes onto the team. In terms of challenges, the lack of numbers and injuries have been the biggest obstacles for the team to prepare for the season.	The team looks forward to tough opponents such as Providence High School, Frontier, and Christopher.

Winterstein’s coaching style has evolved due to available numbers, ability, knowledge of the game, and players height. Since communication is essential for success, the team recognizes the importance of positive communication on the court, however, students from AH tend to view themselves in a negative light. To address the mental aspect of the game, Winterstein has implemented a conditioning coach and is focused on team building exercises.

The Andrew Hill High School team strengths are their quickness and good shooters. On the opposite end, their weaknesses are understanding defense and flow of the game. To improve these areas, Winterstein has focused on breaking down practices further and repetition. 

Winterstein’s coaching philosophy is to maintain aggression, hard work, and perseverance. To prepare for the upcoming season, she has not implemented any radical new strategies or plays. On the subject of balancing academics and sports, she has reiterated that the players are all academically smart, but reminder the athletes that the focus is on the end goal, to create a better future. 

This season is sure to bring many challenges, but Andrew Hill High School’s basketball team is up to the task. Winterstein has a driven and determined team this season that is sure to make it an entertaining one. With the assistance of committed coaching staff and supporters, this may prove to be a rewarding and successful season.