Tessa Konen, who played basketball for two years at Hutchinson Community College, understands the highs and lows that come with playing and coaching the game.

But it is what players and coaches learn from those experiences that she has taken to her coaching career as an assistant for the Maize South girls team.

“I think any experience, positive or negative, can ultimately help us grow,” said Konen, who is the Hutchinson Community College Coach of the Month for April. “I want my players to enjoy their time on the court and make the most of the time they get to play. I think creating a fun, positive and competitive atmosphere, while helping bring the best out of players will always be my goal.”

Not only were Konen’s basketball experiences at HCC valuable, but her academics also helped shape her the future.

“I enjoyed my academic career at HCC and felt it prepared me for the next two years, as I was successful at WSU finishing my Bachelor’s Degree,” Konen said. “I loved the campus and the individual attention from all of the professors.”

Konen has spent six years as an assistant at Maize South and she has loved every minute of it.

“As of now, I love where I’m at, and a lot of that has to do with the people I’m coaching with and the atmosphere and culture that we have built over the last six years,” Konen said. “For me it’s not about a title, but more just being able to be around a great group of people and help build something and leave it better than you found it.”