Grant junior guard Ally Mahinay is growing so accustomed to changes within the program that they hardly faze her anymore.
During Mahinay’s three-year career, the Bulldogs have had four varsity coaches. Kevin Geist is the newest member of the Grant athletic staff, taking over when Kathie Swanson stepped down for personal reasons.
Swanson took a leave of absence in late November and Chris Van Alstine coached the team the remainder of the season. Matt Lukemeyer coached from 2011-15.
“It’s definitely a process getting used to another new coach,” Mahinay said. “I think we’re really using the summer to adjust to that. I think we’re coming a long way.”
The Bulldogs have had a chance to adjust to Geist’s intense style during the Stevenson Summer League. Geist, a former assistant boys coach at Niles North, Maine East and Morton, coached the Bulldogs’ summer league games as if they were playoff games. His detailed approach and dedication to creating a environment that will lead to success were evident throughout Grant’s games last week.
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“I value defense and pressuring the ball and playing the passing lane and getting them to play as a team and value chemistry,” Geist said. “Right now, we’re learning. Hopefully when we start the season, their familiarity and comfort with the game slows down. I think now the game is going too fast for a few players. We have some very good athletes and kids, so I’m hoping they put it together.”
The 5-foot-8 Mahinay made positive strides last season adjusting to starting on the varsity. She filled in following the graduation of high-scoring point guard Jasmine Sangster. A pass-first guard, Mahinay scored a team-high 12 points in Grant’s season-ending loss to Stevenson in a Class 4A regional semifinal.
Mahinay said she’s been focused on improving her leadership during the offseason to help the Bulldogs (12-19) avoid another losing season.
“I’m trying more to get everybody involved while trying to be a leader at the same time,” she said. “I look to get the best shot for the team, not necessarily for me. I think with a new coach and system that we will get better, but I think it will take time.”
Center Mallory Harrity remains the key to Grant’s upcoming season. Harrity, a 6-footer who is a solid rebounder, is part of a motivated senior class looking to have the program’s first winning season since 2008-09.
Geist said the Bulldogs are slowly progressing toward his goal of learning his system.
“Hopefully, they can buy in and trust each other and we can have some success,” he said. “I have seen a huge change in their mentality and willingness to do things for each other and focus on the team instead of individual stuff. They have been great. I love basketball. I’m hoping to bring it to them to make them as excited as I am.”
Bob Narang is a freelance writer for the News-Sun.