She Runs The Game – Chloe Guss

How has your experience in sport impacted your life?

Playing and coaching sports has been a fundamental element in developing a range of skills that have made me the strong woman I am today. Some of these skills include confidence, drive and teamwork. I have also enjoyed the fun social element that sport provides; creating long-lasting friendships and memories. Overall, my experience in basketball has been incredibly enriching and has helped me to become the strong, confident, and motivated person I am today.

Can you describe your coaching philosophy and style?

When I coach basketball, I try to put myself in the kids’ shoes. Because I have played and coached basketball, I understand that the girls don’t want to just shoot or run the entire training. I try to begin with a low-intensity drill and build to a high-intensity one, finishing with something fun. I believe that the most effective coaching is centred on the needs and goals of the individual players, and I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment in which each player can thrive. It’s also so important to me to build a good relationship with the kids I coach so that they feel comfortable to ask questions and have a laugh but still recognise that my role as coach requires a certain level of responsibility and authority, and I work to balance the need for fun and positivity with the need for a little order and structure.

What do you think is the most important aspect of coaching a basketball team as a woman?

Historically, sport has always been male-dominated. Even today, kids go through school with the boys playing basketball or footy at lunch and the girls sitting around watching or chatting.

The most important part of coaching basketball as a woman is to inspire these young girls to go for what they want in life no matter their gender. I have a unique opportunity to inspire young girls to break down barriers and pursue their dreams. As a female coach, I believe that it’s crucial to create a safe and inclusive environment where young girls feel empowered and supported to participate fully in the sport they love.

By acting as a role model for these girls, I hope to show them that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and perseverance. I want them to know that they can be strong, confident, and successful, both on and off the court. As a coach, I strive to inspire and encourage my players to push themselves to be their best, both individually and as a team. By doing so, I hope to help create a new generation of strong, confident, and empowered young women who will go on to achieve great things in all areas of their lives.

How do you engage with the local community to promote basketball and encourage young women to get involved in the sport? 

I have coached kids basketball for approximately 6 years now and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I have also taken part in the Maccabi Junior Carnival as an attendee which I now recommend to all the girls I coach.

What do you hope people take away from this online campaign?

I hope readers feel inspired to empower themselves and their daughters to try sports no matter what they are or what gender ‘usually’ plays. I want people to understand that sport can be a tool for empowerment, and that it’s not just about winning or losing. I also strongly believe sport is such an important element for any kid to experience when growing up in order to develop social teamwork skills. Ultimately, I hope this campaign motivates people to make sport a part of their lives and to recognise the many benefits it can provide.