Hawks women’s basketball has the best record in the Western Conference in the OCAA, and it’s no secret that coach Ajay Sharma has a role in shaping the team into a powerhouse.
The Hawks defeated the Knights 76-65 at Niagara on Thursday night.
Sharma said his coaching success came from learning and respecting others after winning his 201st career game.
“You must be open to considering a perspective that might have been in your blind spot. I learned that from different experiences,” he said
Coach Ajay Sharma giving tips in a game. The team now has an 8-0 record. Photo credit: Hawi Tulu
Marley Bonnick, a shooting guard, said she was honoured to be coached by Sharma.
“I feel great to be a part of such an accomplishment. He is a legend in basketball, and I’m glad to be a part of his journey,” Bonnick said.
As the team rides its 8-0 winning streak, she said having team chemistry helps each player grow on and off the floor and is key to their success.
“We talk on and off the floor and help each other,” Bonnick said.
She also highlighted that no matter how strong or weak the team, they must be ready to play hard.
“It’s never going to be perfect, even after a win, things can be frustrating, but I’ve learned not to hang my head for too long and focus on what I need to change to be better,” she said.
Marley Bonnick, a shooting guard for the Humber Hawks, is being defended by a Knights player as she looks to make a move to the basket. Photo credit: Diego Guillen
Sarah Baptie, a guard, said they have to work extra hard this season because they have a championship to defend.
“We need to keep winning; the main thing is recognizing that due to last season, we have a big target on our back,” she said. “Each team will come in to beat the reigning champs. Therefore we have to keep our intensity up with our foot on the gas for the season.”
Baptie said pushing through setbacks like injuries and recognizing that things won’t always go the right way is the best way to improve.
“We must go into every game wanting to improve by learning from our weak areas and focusing on improving them,” she said
Sharma said there is a lot of talent here and players that are coachable who work hard to improve daily.
“Everyone is committed to giving it their all, whether that’s in practice, team lifting, or in the classroom academically,” he said. “Commitment is what makes us strong,”
Sharma said veterans share their leadership knowledge with rookies and hand over the keys.
“A couple years before veterans make their way out into the world and start their lives after being a Hawk, there is a transfer of leadership that is shared to the next up-and-coming veteran,” he said.
“Our leaders start grooming the future leaders as a succession plan for when they leave the nest. As new players join our family, we hope this cycle continues,” Sharma said.
The team will play Conestoga next on Jan. 11 at the Humber North campus.