Congratulations to Kara Gillies who has won the East and Central Young Coach of the Year Award and to Brian Findlay was has won this year's Special Recognition Award.
Kara Gillies: East & Central Coaching Awards - Young Coach of the Region
Kara has been a member of the club for over 10 years, playing at Cadette, Junior and Senior level.
She first became involved in coaching about 5 years ago, taking the Level 1 coaching award and working with the Club's Sunday Hoops and under 12 age group.
She fairly quickly moved on to her Level 2 coaching award and took over the Club's National League Cadette team, where for the last 2 years she really has found her feet as a coach and got the best out of her players.
She always produces demanding, organised, well-structured yet fun training sessions and has successfully developed several young players who are now members of the National Squad.
Well done Kara!
Brian Findlay: East & Central Coaching Awards - Regional Special Recognition Award
Brian has been involved in Basketball for almost 40 years, beginning from his teaching days at Castlebrae High School.
When he moved to Portobello High, he was instrumental (along with Tony Szifris) in the founding of the Kool Kats club in the late 80's.
For many years he has been the very successful Head Coach of the Kats Junior women's squad as well as assistant coach to our Senior team.
Many players, through the years, owe their success to Brian, perhaps none more so than our very own Olympian Rose Anderson.
As well as his commitment to developing the players of the future Brian works tirelessly behind the scenes at City of Edinburgh planning our fixtures and is usually one of the first on site on 'Basketball Saturdays' setting up bleachers and tables as well as sweeping the games hall floor!
Although Brian decided that last season would be his last year as a Head Coach he will still assist Ben Gunn on the Senior Women’s team.
Many congratulations to Brian from all at the Club on this well deserved award.
