Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Meghan McGeehan hit a milestone in Warren Hills sports history this 2021-2022 season with her 200th win.
After 14 seasons of hard work McGeehan achieved her 200th win in early February against Bridgewater-Raritan
with a final score of 37-19.
McGeehan, who was named Lehigh Valley Live’s Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in 2019, said that COVID-19 had an impact on her team.
“Like everyone else, we have had limitations with masking and distancing. This year hasn’t been as bad as last year, but we’ve had limited summer workouts, leagues and tournaments,” she said. “I think COVID has been a negative experience for most student-athletes because their off-season development has definitely been impacted.”
McGeehan’s passion for the sport of basketball began when she played in high school at North Hunterdon. Later, she coached Hunterdon Central and Voorhees as well.
McGeehan said she did not play intercollegiate sports while attending the University of Maryland, but she did create a club basketball team.
“I helped to start a club league that is still in existence,” she said. “In fact, a couple of my former players have played in the league that I helped to create.”
McGeehan said while basketball isn’t the only sport she has experience in, basketball captivates her energy in a way no other sport can.
“Basketball is my first love of coaching. I just love the competitiveness of the sport – the strategy, the speed of the game,” she said. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
McGeehan said her favorite thing about coaching is seeing her players grow.
“I also love the opportunity to have relationships with my players long after they graduate,” she said. “I hope all of my former student-athletes know they can always call on me if they ever need anything.”
As the 2021-2022 season approached its end, McGeehan and her players were eager.
“We’re getting started with the state tournament, so I’m excited about that,” McGeehan said. “It’s win or go home & that’s always a fun atmosphere.”
As the three remaining seniors on the team play their final games, before they leave the Warren Hills court, McGeehan shared her thoughts on their years of playing and the mark they left on her.
“Obviously, the end of the season and graduation is always sad, but this year it’s especially sad because these girls were robbed of part of their high school career,” she said. “I’m going to miss Madelyn, Liv and Emily – they’ve made an indelible positive mark on our program and community.”
McGeehan hopes to continue coaching more seasons and said for future players that, “The only thing you can always control is your attitude and your effort – if those two things are in alignment with your coach and team, you’ll go far.”
Although wise with advice for future players, McGeehan has learned her own lessons as well.
“I’ve definitely developed a sense of what is important in the game of basketball; that it can’t all be important at this level,” she said. “I have learned to set my expectations high and kids will always reach to achieve them. And I’ve learned to leave referees alone!”