Hunter Bondurant is in his first season as Women's Assistant Coach at Ottawa University. Before joining the women's team staff, Coach Bondurant was the Assistant Recruiting Coordinator and Director of Social Media for the men's program. Get to know Coach Bondurant by reading some of the interview questions we had the opportunity to collect.
How did you first get into coaching? What has been the driver that has kept you in coaching?
Started coaching rec league basketball in high school and did this for 7 years before my former high school head coach invited me to be his volunteer assistant. Worked my way up the high school ranks and then into college. Coaching as a whole is a dream jov, my love for the sport and ability to make life long relationships with players and coaches is a driving factor for me.
Who has been your biggest influence in your coaching career? Why?
Two former coaches, my high school and also my prep school coach (Dan Barto - IMG Academy) have become my closest friends and biggest influences. The ability to bounce not only basketball ideas off of them but to also seek their guidance on the coaching career is a huge assest my life.
What is your favorite team meal?
I've drank a flavored red bull before every game I've ever coached, does that count?!?
What has been your greatest lesson learned in coaching so far?
That there are a million ways to do one thing and that regardless of how good you think you are you will fail in the career and how you respond to that failure will determine your future.
What has been your most memorable win?
My first win as a high school head coach is a memory that will stick with me forever. CoaI'v ekching the JV team at my NAIA school the past two seasons we beat a Division 2 team that we weren't supposed to and just beating someone at a higher level than us was an extremely gratifying experience.
Tell us a recent book/podcast/movie that has left you inspired as a coach.
Just started reading The Coaches Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov. Great read!
Fun Fact: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
I've kept every practice plan and game day card from every season I've coached.
As a member, what has been the most rewarding aspect/ favorite memory of Rising Coaches for you?
The monthly coaches connections are great because it allows you to reach out to new people constantly.