Coach Abby Talley

Head Basketball Coach

Lily Goodfellow: How long have you been coaching at COD?

Abby Talley: This is going to be my second year, so not very long. So far it has been a blast! I love it here. I was an assistant coach at the high school level before, and my first head coach position is here at COD. So it was really cool to see so much success my first year!

LG: What do you love most about your job as a head coach?

AT: Being a role model for young ladies and continuing to teach them about a game that I am very passionate about. 

LG: What was the highlight of last season?

AT: There’s so many! Probably winning the Region 4 Championship game. It was a lot of fun.

LG: You’ve received some pretty amazing honors. What do you think is your proudest moment?

AT: Obviously I am grateful for all of the honors. But my proudest moment is getting calls from other college coaches who want my girls who are graduating so they continue to play. So not for myself, but more for my girls. To see that they are able to continue their athletic career is probably when I am the most proud because it means that other coaches see the talent that I see. 

LG: How do you form bonds with your players on and off the court?

AT: By continuing to be open to them. My office is always open to communicate with them. And to host a LOT of team bonding events and provide TONS of snacks. Like all of us, they like to eat.  

LG: Can you tell me about some of the bonding events you’ve done?
AT: Last year during Christmas, we went bowling. Let’s just say the girls are way better on the court than they are at the lanes. We had tons of games and pizza. It was a fun time, just to get off the court and get to know them a little bit better during such a giving time of the year. It was pretty cool. I look forward to this summer. We are going to be hosting a barbeque at my house. Again, they are going to eat me out of home, I know it. But that’s fine. I am super excited for them to come to my home, know that they are always welcome if they need anything and to interact with my daughter because they love my daughter. She comes to a couple of practices, so she is spoiled with them and their attention. 

LG: What are you most excited for next season?

AT: I’m excited for the group that we have coming in, as well as for the couple of returners that we have. To see them mesh on the court. Obviously, we had an extremely successful season last year. To continue to keep on that legacy would be huge, so that’s what we’re pushing for, and I’m excited to see it happen. 

LG: Did you play basketball in college?

AT: I did. I played at McKendree University which is Division 2. I was lucky enough to get a full ride, so it was a blessing that I got to play the game I love, and I walked out without any student debt.

LG: Do you have any travel plans this summer?

AT: I am going to Colorado. I’m going to go whitewater rafting, and I’m kind of nervous about it. But I’ll let you know when I’m done how it went.

LG: What is your idea of the perfect summer day?

AT: Me and my husband and my 2-year-old daughter chilling by the pool eating tons of snacks and drinking tons of lemonade. 

LG: What one word best describes you?

AT: That’s a tough one. Passionate. I am definitely very passionate about a lot of things.

LG: That’s awesome. Thank you so much!
AT: Thank you! I love your questions. And I read your articles, so when you emailed me, I felt really lucky!