WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA9) — “Box out!” “Hustle!” “Stay on your man!”
The ways a high school basketball coach shepherds the lives of teenage athletes are plentiful, often extending far beyond directing the mechanics of a play, formation, workout or drill. Words shared and lessons taught influence the many ways young athletes grow into the adult versions of themselves.
But no one becomes a coach without a coach or two behind their own path.
St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes Head Basketball Coach Ron Ginyard has a number of individuals who have maintained large roles in his development as a leader.
Current Tulane Head Basketball Coach Ed Conroy, Boston University Head Basketball Coach Joe Jones, 76ers assistant coach Billy Lange…these guys have served as sounding boards as he’s learned the ropes as a player, a person and a coach on the court. But the greatest influence of all?
His dad.
His father, a retired Marine, has served as a role model through his former work in the services and current role as an administration telecommunications specialist. Now, he diligently attends nearly every game the Saints play and many practices, too. His experience training under one of our country’s top-flight group of leaders has greatly influenced the ways in which Ron Ginyard Jr. leads his basketball team. While the senior Ron leaves one-on-one interaction with the players to his son and the assistant coaches, Master Sgt. Ginyard is a voice of direction from afar, constantly teaching and critiquing Ron and his cast of coaches on effective ways to mold and lead the young men they spend hours with each day. The most interesting part?
“He doesn’t know anything about basketball other than his son is a coach and his other son is a professional basketball player. He never ever talks to me about basketball; he just talks to me about the culture of our program and the way that we lead our kids,” explained the brother of former Tar Heel and current French ProB swingman.