Senior Abjelina coaches basketball

Koby Abjelina didn’t make the school basketball team. But that didn’t discourage him or cause him to lose interest in the sport. If anything, it motivated him to stay involved in basketball and expand his interests. Instead, Abjelina started to coach a league he played in in his youth.

Abjelina works for the Palos Verdes Basketball Association and coaches a group of fifth grade boys who call themselves the Comets.

With three years of coaching experience, Abjelina has formed a special bond between with his teams. Abjelina and his team frequently communicate through social media; he tries to present himself as an approachable role model for the team.

“Whenever I conduct practice or coach a game, I have to realize that these kids do look up to me and that how I behave is what they will think is appropriate,” Abjelina said.

With experience, Abjelina has been able to make adjustments in his team while gaining coaching skills. Because he coaches 10 to 11 year olds, high energy levels are constant. However, Abjelina is able to control them while maintaining respect. As an older brother, handling children comes naturally to him.

“I am able to teach them life lessons outside of the game of basketball,” Abjelina said.

Abjelina has experienced some memorable moments while coaching. Last year, one player from Abjelina’s team scored a buzzer-beating shot and won a game. More than anything, Abjelina loves the joy expressed on kid’s faces.

“Such a sight is an accomplishing feeling as a coach since my goal is for the kids to experience the love of the game that I experienced when I was their age,” Abjelina said.

Abjelina keeps the team positive by giving motivational speeches before game and he believes that coaches hold specific responsibilities in leading a team.

“Coaches need to be able to motivate and to inspire,” Abjelina said. “Coaches more than anything provide that spark of life for a team.”

Abjelina says the worst part of coaching is the ending of a season.