Spending The Day In Sherri Coale's Shoes

NORMAN, Okla. -- While her friends spent the day learning the trade of a hairstylist and a fashion designer, Katie Massad spent the day shadowing her role model, OU head coach Sherri Coale.

Independence Charter Middle School gave the seventh-grader a big assignment, and she completed it in a big way. Students at Massad's middle school were instructed to spend Tuesday shadowing a professional during the school's Career Day.

It was only natural that the seventh-grade point guard spent the afternoon at the women's basketball practice observing Coale and the assistant coaches. Massad, who is a member of Independence's basketball team, said she could not wait to meet Coale and see the team in action.

“I looked forward to watching all of the plays that they do and seeing how what they do compares to what I do,” Massad said. “I wanted to learn from the team.”

Katie's mother, Lesli Massad, said her daughter was so thrilled to meet and follow Coale. She said the day was kept secret, otherwise all of Katie's friends would have wanted to go to practice.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for her and I don't think she realized it so much until she got here,” Lesli Massad said. “She keeps saying all the time that she wants to be a basketball coach. I think that by seeing coach Coale in person, Katie realizes that it's not the size that matters, it's the ability.”

Katie spent most of Tuesday's practice on the sideline studying Coale's every step. She scrutinized every move and play Coale directed and she analyzed each player's reaction.

“I like how if she sees something is wrong, she will stop it and perfect it until everybody gets it right,” Massad said. “I like how she interacts with them. The team has really good teamwork.”

Coale said she did not hesitate to invite Massad to practice once she found out about the school's career day.

“I was a public school teacher, so I understand the importance of mentoring, especially for young adults to see what lies on the other side of school,” Coale said. “They cannot know the vision of what's out there unless they go to see the vision. Some kids aren't sure what they want to do until they get out there and do it.”

Massad said she not only learned about coaching, but she learned about teamwork after watching the women practice.

“It takes a lot of work and effort to be a coach,” Massad said. “I've learned that you really have to talk to your team while they are playing. You have to rely on your team. If someone misses [a shot], they don't get mad, they keep going. It's a lot about teamwork.”

Coale said she was impressed by Massad's interest in not only the team, but also in the game.

“I thought she was great,” Coale said. “She took notes before the practice and she was taking notes during the practice. She was really immersed and very engaged. I think she left with a full notepad.”

Even after practice, Massad said she could not believe that she got to spend the day with Coale and the women's basketball team.

“I will always remember this day,” Massad said. “It's like a dream come true.”

Massad's mother said she thinks her daughter will never forget the day she spent with Coale and the team.

“Last year she shadowed her orthodontist,” Lesli Massad said. “I think she likes this much better. I do not think that we will be able top this next year.”

-- Story written by OU Media Relations student assistant Laurie Dernick

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Spending The Day In Sherri Coale's Shoes

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors