WOODBURY — Nonnewaug girls basketball coach Rebecca Pope is stepping back after only two seasons leading the Chiefs.
She sent word on Sept. 5 to parents and athletes that she will not be coaching the upcoming 2024-25 season. But why is she ending her coaching career so short?
In the summer, Pope introduced her daughter, Mia Rose, to this world.
“I am very blessed to have a happy, healthy baby,” said Pope.
Pope had expressed it wasn’t an easy choice to step down. After all, Pope is not only a basketball coach for Nonnewaug, but in the fall she coaches Lakeview girls soccer and teaches year-round as a Lakeview science teacher.
“This was a very difficult decision that took months of contemplation,” Pope said. “I tried to find several solutions to childcare, but ultimately teaching and then coaching basketball is too long of a day to be away from home.”
Pope started coaching the NHS girls basketball team in 2022-23. Since then, she has led the team along with assistant coach Toby Denman. When Coach Pope announced she’d be stepping down, Denman said the basketball program will miss her.
“It was a loss for the program for sure,” said Denman. “She was great to work with, and has a great relationship with the girls on the team.”
Senior Emma Jackson has expressed her disappointment that she won’t play for Pope anymore, but she supports Pope for putting family first.
“I was sad about it definitely because she really was a great coach and I definitely enjoyed having her for the two years,” said Jackson. “But I’m also very happy for her, about her starting a family of her own now, and I’m hoping we can still see her.”
Jackson expressed how Pope’s coaching also helped her become who she is today as a player.
“I thought she could really help me with a lot of things, and she really helped me as a player,” said Jackson.
Coach Pope, knowing the loss, has left a message for her team.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with this team,” said Pope. “Nonnewaug athletes are always true competitors who play with class. I will miss you guys this season, but know you will do great and I am so proud of you.”
