Cutting Down the Nets: A story of resilience, relationships & a run to the championship

Larry Michaels always knew he’d be a basketball coach. But in his dreams he saw himself coaching Division I college basketball at UCLA or Duke. His dreams never saw him working the sidelines at a basketball court that was used as a bingo hall twice a week at a little catholic school in a rust belt town in western Pennsylvania. When the opportunity arose to become the coach of the 7th and 8th grade girls basketball team at St. Christopher’s Catholic School, he took the volunteer job kicking and screaming. However, his ten-year journey as coach turned out to be more rewarding then he’d ever imagined-even in his dreams. During his time as coach, Coach Michaels became a better father and husband. Coaching also allowed him to develop relationships with his players and others that would last a lifetime. All the while trying to win the school’s first championship.