Player turned coach enjoying life on the sidelines

Life is very different these days for VIU women’s basketball assistant coach Maria Kirkbride, who spent the last five years as one of VIU’s best players.

“This was a great opportunity for me as an ex-player and I feel honoured to stand on the sidelines as a coach,” said Kirkbride. “As a very recent former player, I think my experience will really help the team this year.”

Kirkbride acts as assistant coach for VIU women’s basketball head coach Bill McWhinnie, who is also a former Mariners player from several years ago. When McWhinnie got the head coaching job, he immediately thought Kirkbride would be a great candidate for assistant coach.

“Maria brings enthusiasm and a player’s perspective to our team,” he said. “She still understands what it’s like to be a player and knows what makes our players tick. She has made an excellent transition from player to coach, especially considering many of these players were her teammates last year. “

Kirkbride, who is in her final year of a physical education and anthropology degree, says it can be tough watching as a coach instead of being out on the court herself.

“I’ve been a player every year since 2003, so it has been a bit of an adjustment,” she said. “I still want to play and can’t help but think of myself as a player, so it can be challenging at times. As a coach, it’s great to still be a part of that team atmosphere I love so much. I don’t know what I would do without it. The girls are awesome and I’ve made so many friends and created so many important bonds as a coach.”

While Kirkbride does miss her role as a player, McWhinnie is thrilled to have her at his side, bringing her unique experience and talents to her role as assistant coach.

“Maria was extremely talented and competitive during her five years as a player,” said McWhinnie. “She was highly respected by her teammates as well as by coaches and players from other teams. Her competitiveness and sportsmanship as a player has transferred into her role as a coach. She is an incredible asset to our team.”

“Maria was an amazing player,” said Katie Pearson, a second year point guard on the team. “She has the respect of all the girls and whenever she has something to say, everyone listens. She is a great role model and someone we can all look up to. She is the kind of coach you can talk to when you have a problem or when you need help with something on the court. Maria and Bill are a great duo and we are lucky to have them as coaches.”

While this year’s women’s team is off to a great start, Kirkbride thinks the team will do even better as the season progresses.

“Our team has awesome potential,” she said. “This is the best team I have seen here in my six years. They could go all the way if they want it enough.”

Kirkbride and her Mariners play their next home game on January 16th against Douglas College at the VIU gym. For more information, check out the Mariners Athletics hotline at 740-6419.