A new feature at Outside the Huddle during basketball season, we will connect with area coaches on occasion to get their takes on big wins, huge matchups upcoming and more.
This week, we tracked down Homestead girls coach Rod Parker.
Q: Coming out of the Hall of Fame Classic right before the New Year, what do you most hope this group takes out of that rare experience?
Participating in the Hall of Fame Classic is a unique experience that a high school player can only experience once in their career if lucky. In addition to the competition being top-notch and the venue itself being special, I hope the girls in my program gained an understanding of the rich basketball history in the state of Indiana that has shaped their opportunities today. I also believe it is important for my players to understand that the work and commitment they have put into the game of basketball and Homestead High School will shape high school basketball for future student athletes.
Lastly, participating in the Hall of Fame tournament provides an opportunity to replicate the Semi-State format against some of the best teams in the state.
Q: As a coach, how do you balance a roster like this? There are a lot of scorers and lot of people who need to get touches.
The primary focus is to create a culture where each player is valued for their contributions to the team’s overall success. We do not highlight individual recognition, but rather center our focus around the goals of the team. We highlight team stats, team goals, and details such as defense, passing, screening etc. as opposed to individual stats. I believe this allows players to buy in to our team goals and experience success daily. All individual accolades are celebrated as team accolades as individuals can’t perform without Great Teammates. Communication is essential and each player must be valued for their role on the team
Another important aspect of culture is to focus on the things we can control and learning how to compete at a high level. Great teams are comprised of players who are willing to sacrifice some individual recognition to reach team goals.
Being that many players on our roster will have to forego or postpone personal recognition over the team, communication is essential to motivate and teach players to move their ceiling. During the preseason, we discussed that there would be many “tough conversations” that would take place regarding roles, playing time, expectations, etc. that would require mental maturity, respect, and trust from each player. This maturity has allowed us to strengthen our culture and ability to complement one another.
Most importantly, my coaching staff works hard to be respectful, loyal, and honest with the girls in our program as we attempt to help them grow as a player and person.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your philosophy of player development. Homestead always seems to just reload with strong classes and your current freshman class is great. How do you balance and maintain all of their development in your program?
I believe player development begins with fundamentals, a strong focus on the details needed to properly improve a skill, and having the necessary commitment needed to improve each and every day. Players must learn to challenge themselves to work outside their comfort zone and to understand how to move their own ceiling during competition. This applies to both in-season and the time investment they are making off-season.
My staff emphasizes the importance of details when developing individual skills or team performance on a daily basis.
Fortunately, we have a strong feeder program with close to 200 girls in grades 2-8. These girls participate in our winter basketball league, spring program, and camps that are offered throughout the year.
Q: What is the biggest change you have seen in your years coaching at Homestead with the game and/or with players?
One of the biggest changes I have seen in recent years is the lack of parity in girls’ basketball and the unfortunate decline in the number of kids participating in high school sports. I believe there are many factors are contributing to this decline and it is unfortunate.
Q: Why have you found it important to load Homestead’s schedule with some of the better teams in Indiana and also travel to play some out of state opponents when you can?
Competing in the “Big” games or against the best competition is fun and makes you better as a team. A competitive schedule allows you to face adversity, challenge yourself to improve, and play in great environments.
We have traveled often during the past decade to participate against good competition in Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and Michigan. Many of our surrounding states offer great in-season events with top tier competition and college exposure for the girls in my program.
Q: You find yourself with two players at or on the cusp of 1,000 career points and neither is a senior. How have you seen both Myah [Epps] and Gabby [Helsom] progress as players over their time at Homestead?
Myah and Gabby are both special individuals on and off the court. It has been a great pleasure to watch them improve over the past three seasons. They have both made a committed effort to improve their basketball skills to allow them to become two of the top players in the state of Indiana. I am fortunate that both Myah and Gabby want to be coached and are constantly seeking ways to improve as players and teammates.
I have found it very rewarding to see the two of them grow and develop as leaders, great teammates, and mentally tough basketball players. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of their journey.
Q: You have one of the most successful and steady coaching staffs in the area. How important is the group of people you have on the sideline with you?
My coaching staff is the key to our success. Todd German and Kara Ankenbruck have both been with me for over 20 years, Nikki Gilles played for me while in high school and has been our JV coach for the past nine years and Madisen Parker, my daughter, played for me at Homestead and has been involved in our program her entire life.
Our staff has developed a special friendship centered around trust, loyalty, and a passion to coach the girls in our program.
Q: Will you ever be bringing back the elite Rod Parker goatee?
I question that the goatee was elite. However, my wife liked it more than I did so that means there is always a possibility.
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