BY DAIZEE VILLA / PHOTO BY DAIZEE VILLA
There’s a new teacher on campus, but wait we’ve seen her before! Stefanie Foster’s job of teaching physical education started this school year, but she’s been coaching our Varsity Girls’ Basketball team for the last seven years.
Since she has been coaching here for years, she knows some basketball students, and is used to the school. Last season, her basketball team used to go back and forth with their rival Diamond Bar, but since they are in a new league this year, they’re trying to find a new rival to compete with. They still play South Hills and she considers that as another rival in pre-season.
Before she got into teaching, she started during high school and college as a coach for recreational teams. She was also an instructional aide to 4th and 5th graders, so she’s had a diverse experience with all kinds of ages. Then, after doing small jobs, she spent two years at the University of La Verne.
A struggle between teaching and coaching might be a battle for some teachers, but Foster feels otherwise.
“You just need to prioritize, and have an equal amount of time for both so none are slacking,” she said.
For her, schooling and training is similar.
“Teaching P.E. is showing them basic fundamentals of different kinds of sports, and that’s the same thing you do with coaching. You also have to help motivate and show them healthy life styles,” Foster added.
Foster has made quite the impression on both students and players.
“I love Foster, she is an amazing coach and she’ll be an amazing teacher. She is like a mom to me, and I couldn’t have asked for a better coach,” Varsity Girls’ Basketball Playe rNicole Valdiviez said.
For Foster, striving to be the best coach and teacher isn’t that difficult. Her students and players love her
“She’s a nice teacher, and she’s super cool. She’s made me faster and stronger, and teaching me a lot of cool new sports,” said freshman Jacob Casas.
She looks forward to this being a great first year of teaching and the best basketball season.
