Hickey in first year leading Lady Hawks

Learning curve

We’re all learning,” she said. “I’m learning things as a head coach. The girls are learning things. But we’re working well together.”

Taylor Hickey, Central Lee girls Head Coach

DONNELLSON - Taylor Hickey has taken the step from assistant coach to head coach.
Hickey, in her first season as Central Lee’s head coach, has a game under her belt, a 57-33 loss to Winfield-Mount Union.
It was a learning experience, she said.
“After that game, I was like, ‘Wow. Holy cow,’” she said. “It’s a big transition. A little more stressful, and more preparation. As an assistant, I would be there for support, and have ideas that I would throw in. Now, it’s coming up with practice plans days in advance, all of the things that go with being a head coach.”
Hickey’s team will be able to grow with her. She has four seniors — all four started the season opener — and no juniors. That will lead to see some growing pains, especially with the freshmen.
Girls are being put into positions they haven’t been in before.
“It’s a different transition going from eighth-grade basketball into varsity,” Hickey said. “During the game (against Winfield-Mount Union), we saw a lot of things. They were bigger and stronger than us. But it was a good lesson for us.”
Seniors Makayla Morrison and Mya Lampe each scored 11 points to lead the Hawks in the season opener, Morrison was second on the team in scoring last season, while Lampe led the Hawks in 3-pointers.
“We’re definitely leaning on them because we’re such a young team,” Hickey said. “Makayla’s leadership quality has really come out a lot. I’ve seen it in practice. Mya’s development is in her confidence in shooting. She loves that 3-point line. I am noticing her shooting the ball with more confidence. That comes with playing and experience.”
Morrison and Lampe were joined in the starting lineup by fellow seniors Karlie Pohren and Abby Simmons and freshman Kenna Sandoval.
The Hawks went eight deep in the opener.
“I think we’re going to be looking to our bench a lot this season,” Hickey said. “There’s going to be a lot of opportunity.”
Former head coach Jay Baldwin stayed with the Hawks as an assistant.
“He’s been invaluable, reminding me of things,” Hickey said. “He’s done a great job working with our post players, too.”
But this is Hickey’s opportunity to lead a team.
“We’re all learning,” she said. “I’m learning things as a head coach. The girls are learning things. But we’re working well together.”