Student assists women’s basketball team for nearly a decade
By Mike Abell
Most student athletes at the college are in one year and out the other. However, Brody Fuentes has been studying at the school while involving himself with the women’s basketball team for over seven years.A number of years ago, when women’s basketball Coach Ben Conrad was first hired, he told Coach Ryan Morley that he was searching for members of his scout team. Morley then recommended Fuentes, who was in his basketball class at the time.
Fuentes has filled multiple roles on the team during his seven year stay. Those roles include talent scout, volunteer assistant coach and helping the team with drills during practice. Fuentes also watches opposing teams and identifies their plays. Conrad has said that he is thankful to have someone like Fuentes around the team.
“I think having Brody in his different capacity over the years has been huge for our program and huge for me,” said Conrad. “He is very passionate about our program and he is just a really valuable guy to have around.”
Fuentes also enjoys sports like football and soccer, but basketball has always been his favorite. With each year, he notices the team strengths and weakness, but he is very excited about the prospects of this year’s team.
“This year’s team is extremely athletic,” said Fuentes. “In the past six years, I think there have been three really good teams that could have won it all. Last year, we had one of those teams. This year I think we have a chance to be really special.”
Additionally, Fuentes also helps out with both of the soccer teams and volleyball team whenever he can. Even with this work, scouting is Fuentes focus.
“I try to do other things like get [the program] out in the community. I tell people when all the games are coming up, spread the word and try to get everyone involved with our athletics,” Fuentes said.
For a few years Fuentes traveled with the team, however due to other commitments, he is unable to continue traveling.
What keeps Fuentes at the college is the people and atmosphere.
“I’m loyal to Coach Conrad and he has been good to me ever since I’ve been here,” Fuentes said. “There have been times where I thought about leaving and getting a full-time job and not having to work around this as my schedule, but I think just [like] helping the girls and seeing them become better people on and off the court from when they start to when they leave here. It’s just a cool place to be and I love all the people here.”