Jaspers’ Amani Tatum chosen for prestigious coaching program

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Each spring, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association presents So You Want to Be a Coach, an opportunity for current collegiate players to be exposed to what coaching actually entails. The three-day workshop takes place in conjunction with the WBCA convention, held during the Final Four (this year in Columbus, Ohio).

A spot in this program, which is in partnership with the Alliance of Women’s Coaches, is highly sought-after. Two locals have been selected from a large pool of applicants—Camille Zimmerman of Columbia University and Amani Tatum of Manhattan College.

Tatum heard a lot about the program from Manhattan assistant coach Sahar Nusseibeh, who participated in 2009. “[Coaching] is definitely something I see myself doing,” said Tatum, a Queens native. “I love the game and I love being able to teach. Also, how young women benefit from playing the game of basketball.”

So You Want to Be a Coach includes professional development, networking, insights into the administrative side of coaching, recruiting, getting hired, skill development, rules and work/life balance. Participants also get to attend some of the Final Four festivities. Over its 15-year history, 814 women have participated, 54 percent of whom are currently coaching at levels ranging from high school to Division I.

In her application, Tatum wrote about her experiences and how she would benefit from the program. “Being able to learn from the different women,” she said.

Being a point guard and team captain has helped Tatum feel close to Manhattan’s coaching staff and learn how to communicate their vision to her fellow players. She is able to take what coach Heather Vulin says and make it understandable and useful to her teammates.

“The coaches relay to you what they want on the court and how they want it to be executed and it’s your job to be the leader of the team and get people involved,” said Tatum.

The Jaspers are currently 10-14, 7-6 in MAAC conference play. Tatum is averaging 12.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and leading the team in assists with 104. She completed her bachelor’s degree in media studies with a minor in business management last year and is currently pursuing her master’s in counseling.

During her time at Manhattan, she’s seen the program slowly improve and build—insight she’ll take into coaching. “It’s a process,” Tatum said. “Trust is a big part of building a program.”