Many college students face the daily burden of finding time for papers, tests and work. However, one Kansas University student has gone above and beyond, balancing her time as a student and as a volunteer basketball coach for the Parks and Recreation third- and fourth-grade Twisters.

Having played competitive basketball since the third grade, including four years of varsity ball and league honors at Cheney High School, Katie Spexarth brings knowledge and experience to her team. However, like any recently removed athlete, the competitive edge never leaves.

“I miss playing basketball a lot,” Spexarth said. “I play intramurals at school, but it doesn’t have the competitiveness that I want. I found coaching the girls helps fill that void.”

Having never coached youth sports before, Spexarth was unsure of what was expected of her. Fortunately for Spexarth, Twister coach Cindy D’Ercole was in need of another coach to help run practices and games. While D’Ercole attends to the bumps and bruises and business side of the team, Spexarth designs drills for practice and runs the Twister games.

Coaches struggle to walk the fine line of being both a coach and a friend with their players. They must decipher whether it is better to be stern or use a hands-off approach and let the kids play. Fortunately the Twisters have found a coach who can balance fun and play along with teaching the fundamentals of basketball.

However, don’t let her upbeat personality and smiling face fool you: Spexarth means business behind the bench.

“She’s the fun coach but demands structure and has high expectations for this team, which makes the kids better,” D’Ercole said. “There are two types of coaches, one wants to be the friend while the other is strict. Katie finds the happy medium.”

While most coaches at the younger level run an unstructured offense, Spexarth uses her knowledge and past experiences to implement offensive sets that teach the girls the importance of spacing and passing. Spexarth believes the early introduction to structured basketball will help the Twisters progress at a quicker pace. Along with a structured offense, Spexarth has emphasized the importance of team defense.

“At this level it is more important to get back on defense because 60 to 70 percent of baskets come off of the fast break,” Spexarth said.

Along with a rich basketball history, Spexarth’s youthfulness has enabled her to form an attachment with her players.

“Katie brings an energy and commitment to the team,” D’Ercole said. “You can really tell she wants to do this and help the kids.”

While it might not seem to be an important issue, Spexarth’s age enabled the Twisters to gel with her early on. Rather than being viewed as a coach, Spexarth appeared as a companion and a friend to the girls. Not that it took much more than Spexarth being herself – simply being a college student made Spexarth “cool” in the minds of the Twisters.

Spexarth’s age has caused confusion within the league. On picture day, Spexarth filled out the picture form and handed in her request. Unfamiliar with the coach’s role, the worker looked over the form and asked Spexarth which child was hers.

Katie Spexarth, right, teaches shooting form to her third- and fourth-grade Twisters team during practice. Spexarth is a Kansas University student who volunteers her time to coach in the girls recreation league of Parks and Recreation basketball league.

As the weeks have passed, opposing teams have taken notice of Spexarth and the Twisters as they have run past the competition.

Much of the Twister’s success can be attributed to the guidance of their new coach. Having been involved with several other teams in the past, Spexarth had never coached a team before, which has caused her to question her effectiveness as a coach.

“The leadership role behind the bench is completely different than in the classroom and from my past playing days,” Spexarth said. “I’m in charge of running everything, and I don’t have others telling me what to do. It’s a big responsibility.”

However, after viewing her demeanor at the first practice, D’Ercole knew Spexarth was up for the challenge. At Twister practices, the air is flooded with laughter and Spexarth is greeted with smiles when she steps on the court.

“Katie’s a good basketball player and a person,” D’Ercole said. “She would never admit it, but she is a role model for the team and my daughter.”

By teaching through experiences, Spexarth has formed the early foundation for each girl to have a successful basketball career. However, it’s Spexarth’s combination of being a friendly person and someone the kids can relate to that will leave a lasting impression on the minds of each girl.