The JABSOM Enquirer recently learned that JABSOM faculty member Dr. Richard Kasuya, from the Office of Medical Education, also coaches high school basketball and was named as a national winner of the 2018 Positive Coaching Alliance’s Double-Goal Coaching Award. We sat down with “Coach Richard” to learn more about his love of coaching.
How long have you been coaching basketball?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: Well, I’ve actually been coaching basketball longer than I’ve been a physician! With the exception of a couple of years off here and there when I’ve had to focus more of my evenings and weekends on things at home or at work, I’ve been coaching for 30 years now. I even found a way to stay involved while I was in medical school and completing my residency training.
Why did you get into coaching?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: I’ve always loved the game of basketball but found out pretty quickly that I wasn’t good enough to play competitively. So, I figured out that if I wanted to stay connected with the game that I would have a better chance on the coaching side of it.
Seriously, I think the overlap between teaching and coaching really helped me. I sincerely love both of those roles and appreciate the importance of setting up a positive learning environment and helping both students and athletes grow in skill and confidence.
Where are you coaching now, and how did your recent season go?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: I think I have the best coaching job in the world. I’m serving as the head coach for the varsity girls basketball team at Sacred Hearts Academy. We are coming off of a great season where we able to meet most of our team goals.
Congrats on your recent award. Can you tell us about it?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: Thank you. I’m honored and humbled to have been selected from over 800 nominees to be one of the 50 national award winners of the Positive Coaching Alliance’s Double-Goal Coaching Award. This award is to recognize youth and high school sports coaches from throughout the U.S. who balance the goals of striving to win with teaching life lessons through sports. I’m very aware that this is not an individual award as much as it is a reflection of the philosophy, hard work and commitment of everyone associated with our program.
Any shout outs?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: Absolutely! Thanks for the opportunity to do so! Any credit for the PCA award really starts at the top and extends far and wide. I really appreciate the support and guidance that our school administration and athletic director provide. The coaches that served before us deserve a lot of credit for laying the groundwork for the program and culture. Our current assistant coaches and lower level coaches have all done an outstanding job aligning with the program we hope to build and sustain here. And our student athletes and parents have been wonderful – they were kind enough to give our way a chance, and quickly bought in and made this their culture.
Anything we should know about your coaching style?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: I am often teased for my awkward reactions and gestures during games. I try to look cool, but others just laugh…
Do you have any advice for other coaches?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: I think my advice for coaches would be the same as my advice to teachers. We need to remember that we are here for the young people we coach or teach, not the other way around. Through our efforts, we can help shape the future, and help individuals grow and achieve things in their lives that they may not have thought realistic or possible. What we do is an honor and privilege, and how we choose to interact with our students and athletes will have a lasting impact beyond the court or classroom.
Any final words for us?
Dr. Richard Kasuya: Go Lancers! And, Go JABSOM!
See Coach Richard’s reaction during a game
Watch for Coach Richard in the bottom left of the frame. Mahalo Dr. Kasuya for providing this candid clip.