Sports Locker • November/December 2024 • Coach of the Issue

Tara Dickneite never saw herself becoming a basketball coach, let alone leading a team at Lighthouse Preparatory Academy. Her journey started when her daughter, Matty, entered her freshman year at Lighthouse Preparatory Academy, where the possibility of fielding a girls’ basketball team was uncertain. “We knew there might not be enough girls to make a team. It turned out there were enough, but they didn’t have a coach, and I was approached about it.” Initially, the idea terrified her. “I’m not an outgoing, social person. The thought of yelling at kids and making rules seemed overwhelming.”

Despite her reservations, Tara prayed about it and felt God guiding her to take on the role. What she feared most—working with teenagers—ended up becoming her favorite part. “The girls had me wrapped around their finger within a month. I love them more than I ever expected.” At the heart of her decision was the opportunity to share a special connection with her daughter. Tara treasures the moments they’ve shared on the court, “We’re very different people, and it’s hard for us to find things we both enjoy. Basketball has been one of those rare things.” Coaching her daughter has come with challenges, but Tara reflects on the rewards: “Getting to watch Matty fight for something, seeing her successes, and experiencing her joy alongside her teammates—those are moments I will never forget. I’ve had a front-row seat to it all.”

Tara’s highlights as a coach aren’t about championships or accolades. Instead, they’re the small victories that only a coach can truly appreciate. She recalls moments like “Emma’s face when she made a basket for the first time” and “Te’a’s smile when the team cheered her on after conquering a drill she struggled with.” Seeing the players overcome obstacles, progress in their skills, and gain confidence is what Tara values most. “It’s special because you get to witness their journey—the hard work, the practice, the failure, and finally, the execution in a game. Parents don’t always see how tough it is, but as a coach, you know what they’ve been through.”

Tara’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in her faith. “I grew up in a secular school, so I didn’t understand how God wanted me to approach competition until I came to Lighthouse.” Watching other coaches at the school, like volleyball coaches, Calvin and Lisa Stock, and track coach, Jake Taggart, gave her the example she needed. “They lead in a competitive yet God-honoring spirit, and I strive to follow their example.”

Her three pillars of coaching are clear: be a light for God, support your teammates, and learn to overcome adversity. Tara stresses the importance of leaving a positive impact, telling her athletes, “Make sure your actions reflect the light of God, because you have the power to influence those around you.” She also teaches them the value of perseverance, reminding them that “nothing will be handed to you—you have to work for it, and the joy of overcoming is greater when you’ve fought for it.” Tara is also quick to credit her assistant coaches, Jim Forker and Danielle Stammer, for their incredible support. “They pushed the girls, made them laugh, and took so much pressure off me. It felt like we were meant to coach together.”

Outside of coaching, Tara’s life is full. She’s a plant accountant for Modine Manufacturing, and she’s recently finished her second degree. She’s also the proud mom of Matty, who is active in multiple sports, including volleyball, basketball, and track. When she’s not working or coaching, Tara enjoys hiking, four-wheeling, sketching, and playing board games with her family. Reflecting on her coaching career, Tara hopes that her players will remember one thing above all: “I just want them to know how much I love and support them. No matter what, I’ll always be their biggest fan.”