When attending sporting events, we often only focus on the final product; the game itself. We see how the players execute plays, demonstrate strength and conditioning and how the coaches coach, but we really never notice the smaller details. We never think about the team manager behind the bench, handing them water bottles during time outs, making sure the bench is clear, and cheering them on. Team managers are a crucial part of the team, their unseen role is all part of the final product you see when you watch a game. Goucher’s Women’s basketball team truly has one of the best managers they could have asked for, and for several different reasons.
Zion McCoy ‘27 has experienced both sides of the coin, from playing at the collegiate level as well as being a part of what goes on behind the scenes as a manager. Two years of her college career were spent playing under Coach Michaell Ricks, as a guard, and (sometimes forward) for the women’s basketball team. From early morning workouts to late night practices, McCoy gave a lot to the sport, then her junior year she decided to take a step back.
In our interview she talked about wanting to take time for herself. Being a student-athlete as well as working can be incredibly draining. Although she decided to take a step back, she couldn’t stay away for too long. Eventually, McCoy decided to come back to the team, but not in the same capacity as she had in previous years. She expressed, “I like sports, I always like to be around them and involved.”
With her interest in sports, especially basketball, she decided to come back to Goucher’s program and work with the team as a manager. As a manager she set the shot clock and executed other practice necessities including, prepping the gym as well as putting things away when practice is over. For games, filled water bottles and made sure players had everything they needed. These tasks may seem tedious but are crucial for the team. This type of organization makes it easier for athletes to focus on playing and for coaches to focus on coaching.
Many of the players really appreciated McCoy’s work and the time she spent with them over the course of the season. Senior Guard for the Gophers, Leila Townsend ‘26 said this when asked about McCoy: “I loved having Zion as a team manager this season.
Since she was on the team last year she understood a lot of the things that we needed from a manager which made her a wonderful addition.”. Other players talked to her during games and asked her for advice, almost as if she were another coach for the team, but they also loved just having her around. Townsend continued by saying, “Zion was beneficial to our team because she handled her managerial duties well…and she was very personable and funny.” McCoy stated that she felt appreciation from the team, and it’s a good thing she did because some of her contributions go way beyond the basic duties of a regular manager.
The basketball season is incredibly long. Goucher’s women’s team began their season in early August, played through the J-Term (winter break for most students),and just finished up the last week of February. McCoy was with the team from beginning to end. McCoy attended almost every practice throughout the duration of the season, even traveling with the team to away games, which most managers don’t do. She was also very present over the winter break, which goes beyond the manager’s ordinary role. What’s even more impressive is that she was able to do all of this for the team while being a student and working a part-time job.
McCoy is currently majoring in Neuroscience, and her work load is heavy. We talked about how going between work, classes and practices could sometimes be challenging. Despite having so much on her plate she affirmed, “I enjoyed my experience managing and I would again,” which is something many of the women’s players are excited to hear. There has also been talk of her coming back and playing for her final year at Goucher, and after speaking with her, she claimed that she was unsure.
In any capacity she decides to come back, she will be received with open arms.
People like McCoy sometimes go underappreciated when people think about collegiate sports teams. Managers are necessary and important people who contribute greatly to the well being of the team. Without them, it’s chaos. Having someone like McCoy, who dedicates their time and effort to a voluntary position like a team manager, should be recognized for all they do. If you play a sport, go thank your manager. They deserve it.
By Sanai Knox ‘28
Featured Image Source: Goucher Women’s Basketball via Facebook
