Heritage Junior/Senior High School has elevated longtime girls basketball junior varsity coach Nicole Sisson to head coach of the Lady Patriots.
The school announced Sisson's promotion following East Allen County Schools board approval on April 21. It's her first head coaching gig.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity," Sisson tells ParkviewSportsMedicine.com. "It's been beneficial to have walked alongside (outgoing coach) Melissa Connor the past 5 years."
Heritage will be in the midst of a rebuild after graduating 5 seniors, including Indiana Tech recruit Bree Dossen and sharpshooter Abby Sheehan. Sisson admits Heritage will have many holes to fill; but is confident her years as JV coach will help in player and team development. She says to expect a more balanced offense attack and scoring-by-committee.
"Every seasoned head coach was once a first-year coach," she points out. "I tell the girls to be All-Conference in more than just basketball--in the classroom, in conducting yourself."
Sisson is a 2004 graduate of Wayne Trace High School. She earned All-Green Meadows Conference, All-Paulding County and All-District honors throughout her prep career. She played college basketball at Malone University in Canton, Ohio, where she was twice named an NAIA National Schlolar Athlete.
Coincidentally, Sisson replaced Cheri Gilbert as a Heritage health teacher when Gilbert was elevated to athletic director in 2010. Sisson calls Gilbert, who coached the Lady Patriots to the state championship in 1982, a mentor.
"Making all these connections is special," Sisson beams. "Being a part of this community is a special thing."
Heritage is one of 26 high schools that partners with Parkview Sports Medicine for athletic training, nutrition, sports performance, athletic rehab and other sports medicine services for Patriot student-athletes. Learn more at www.parkviewsportsmedicine.com.