As a student, Girls Basketball Head Coach Jennifer Weissbach was a multi-talented athlete, scoring a thousand points in her high school basketball career and going on to play field hockey at Dartmouth College. Her successful basketball career inspired her to give back to students through coaching.
As a coach, Weissbach creates an environment that builds chemistry through a philosophy of “team first.” She hosts team dinners every week and tries her best to support the team in any fun activities athletes want to participate in.
“I would say our team culture centers around prioritizing the team over yourself, working harder than you’ve ever worked before, and having fun while working hard. The specific things that we do, our captains do a great job of fostering relationships within the team. I have the team over for team dinners every week. We try to do some fun events outside of the court, such as a big holiday-themed dinner with the team. We’ll do some different activities throughout the season. But I really let the kids drive whatever fun events that they want to do. We try to support them in any way we can,” said Weissbach.
According to Akari Imai ’25, Weissbach goes beyond individual basketball skills and also teaches her student-athletes how to be great teammates.
Imai said, “She always encourages us to, for example, if someone on our team falls, then we always have to run and pick them up. If someone makes a mistake, we’re always positive. She builds a team culture where we are all lifting each other up. We never blame anyone. If someone makes a mistake, we’re immediately there telling them, ‘You got the next one.’ She always pushes us to be really good teammates.”
Weissbach highlighted her assistant coaches Molly Creamer and Christopher Jones, Instructor in History and Social Sciences, as important members of her team, bringing vital positivity and knowledge to the team. She also loves the determination and commitment that her players have shown and believes that they are well-prepared for the season ahead.
Weissbach said, “I’m incredibly grateful for the two assistant coaches we have as well, Coach [Creamer] and Coach Jones, and acknowledging that they are a huge part of our team culture, and they bring invaluable, positive energy to our team. I also want to make sure that it’s clear that I am so proud of how hard the players are working this year. They are committed, they are determined, and they are ready for whatever’s going to come our way throughout the season.”
Kai Mafunga ’26 highlighted her favorite memories with Coach Weissbach. She spoke of her interactions with Weissbach on the paths, showing the friendly nature and community built on the team.
“Coach Weissbach waving ‘hi’ on the paths is really nice because it shows that she cares about you more than just a coach or you being a player on her team. She really is invested in all of our successes, both on and off the court. Seeing her and seeing her smile when she’s walking by, making time to make sure we’re doing well, just goes to show her love for the team”
While the team aims to reach the Class A New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) postseason tournament again, Weissbach believes success will come in many different forms. Weissbach’s main goal for the season is to help the team create long-lasting bonds, instilling traits such as teamwork and discipline.
“My overall goal for the team is to help them build lifelong, meaningful relationships with each other. If we can do that, it will be a successful season. Also, we have goals that we want to complete on the court. We compete in Class A of NEPSAC, which is one of the most intense levels of competition for girl’s basketball. So certainly we have a goal. We made the tournament last year. We would love to make the tournament again this year. But ultimately, if we prioritize working hard every day, growing, [and[ learning together, this is going to be a successful season no matter what,” said Weissbach.
