A New Era for Osbourn Park Girl's Basketball

 

The basketball landscape for the girl's program has changed significantly, but head coach Chrissy Kelly's standard remains the same. 

(photo via InsideNova)

The 2022-23 season saw the Osbourn Park girls go 23-5, 11-1 in the Cedar Run District. The season would end with a 58-50 state quarterfinal loss to Manchester, which led to a massive shift for this year's team.

The team's three top players (Alana Powell, Kori Cole and Danielle Darfour) would all graduate. One of Coach Kelly's assistant coaches Quiana Kizer - affectionately known to the team as "Yawnie"- would get a head coaching opportunity at her alma mater, Potomac High School. 

Despite the change, the standard set by Kelly remains the same. The banners hanging in OP's gym don't lie: five district championships since 2018 (including three straight) as well as three straight regional championships. 

"We are at a point where we are understanding the standard- and the standard cannot gravitate towards us being a younger team. The standard has to be how hard we work, compete. If you don’t know something- go as hard as you can through mistakes. As we get experience and grow, you get better," said Kelly. 

Her mantra to this year's team: it's not talent. 

Sure, the Yellow Jackets boast plenty of talented players, but it's their work ethic that defines them. 

Sophomore guard Samia Snead is a great example. 

"I’ve been working out in the morning a few times a week on my shot and other things. I’m trying to get in the gym every day. Some days you don’t feel like it, but you do it because you know it’s for the better."

Snead- along with sophomores Keyarah Rainey and Jayel West- were impactful as freshman. 

"Our coaches preach to us that it's all about effort, energy and communication," said Rainey. 

"We’re young. Because of that, no one has stepped into that alpha role yet," said Coach Kelly. "Samia is working on it. She’s the most vocal. We’ll also look to Angie and AB for leadership as well."

AB is junior Alexandra Brown. The 6'2 center looks to put her mark on the season, and has already gotten interest from a number of colleges including Monmouth, Radford, William & Mary and St. John's. 

The hole left behind by the 2023 seniors is not lost on Snead. 

"I feel like since we lost three seniors last year, it’s time for us to step up and lead the freshman. We’re a really young team."

One of this year's two seniors, Angie Yann, is ready for the challenge of helping lead the team.

"There’s definitely a lot of pressure as a senior, but I really want to finish things out and win. We’ve been so close before. We have a lot of freshman and we're working on getting them up to speed. They’ve been doing well so far."

The other senior is Paige Walters. The challenge of leading a young team is one thing, but the adversity Walters has seen in two seasons has prepared her for 2023. Paige missed the last two seasons due to a torn rotator cuff and a torn ACL. 

"It means a lot to be on this team. When I was going through surgery, there was a lot of pressure and risk. You want to be better for yourself and your team, and you want to catch up on missed time."

One thing that helped Paige on her journey back to the court was her sister, Peyton, a freshman on this year's team. Their father told me he's been waiting for this year for a while so both would be on the same team together. 

"I'm really excited to play with Paige," said Peyton. "At first I was sad when she got hurt, but now I'm happy to see her improve on the court."

One freshman who caught my eye during practice was 5'10 Janey Salinas. Her ability to get a shot off quickly was just as impressive as her deep ball consistently going in, swishing each time. That added height and length is a welcomed addition for Osbourn Park. 

"I would watch OP play and saw how Coach Kelly coached and wanted to be a part of that. I just need to keep working on my shot, moving the ball on fast breaks and helping us get easy baskets," said Salinas. 

Assistant coach Ronell Marzett emphasized one of the biggest advantages he sees with this year's team.

"I think one of our team's biggest strength this year could be our speed. We have some height and length this year, but I think this is one of the most athletic teams we’ve had in recent years at OP so speed and athleticism could be two of our biggest strengths."

I then spoke to Coach Kelly about goals for this year's team. 

"There’s no goal. We need to be task-oriented and trust in the process. If you’re constantly chasing a goal and forgetting the tasks and process, there’s no goal to be achieved."

But for herself, Kelly admitted she looks to improve in certain areas.

"For me, I have to be patient. After games, I’ll work on not saying anything about the game until I watch film. I let the emotion of the game dictate my thoughts. The game is so fast and it’s hard to truly process everything correctly. This season I'll work on that."

Friday night will see the Yellow Jackets host Quiana Kizer and her Potomac Panthers. After speaking with players and coaches, it's quite apparent her impact on Osbourn Park is immeasurable. 

"I miss her," said Kelly. "She’s a big part of this program’s success. I miss her presence, knowledge and the positive energy she brough to the gym. She brought such great balance and was great with the kids. The head coach has to say the hard things kids don’t always want to hear, and that’s what she’ll need to adjust to at Potomac."

Current assistant coach Danni Jackson chimed in. "I'm extremely proud of Yawnie and excited to see her Friday night. It will be like old times when we were kids in our Forest Park vs Potomac days or Graham Park vs Rippon days. It’s always love but we are competitors at heart."

"It’s going to be interesting and weird at the same time going against Yawnie this Friday. Being that it’s our first game of the season, there’s some things that we would like to see that we’ve worked on, especially defensively. Yawnie is a good friend of ours so it should be fun," said Marzett.

Kizer's opportunity at Potomac created another for new assistant coach James West IV. West is  a 2017 graduate of Freedom (Woodbridge) and the older brother of Jayel West. He'd go on to play three years at Mount St. Mary's before transferring to Tusculum University. It's his first chance to be a coach, and he doesn't take it for granted. 

"It means everything to me, especially getting to coach my sister. I wanted to play overseas, but it didn’t work out," said West. "The one thing I can give to my youth is my knowledge of playing at a high level. This is the perfect place to start coaching for me."

But will he cut Jayel any slack?

"She knows how it is," he said with a smile. "She’s going to work. I’m trying to get these girls prepared for the next level and how hard it’s going to be."

West also looked ahead to Friday as the team looks to set the tone for the season. 

"It’s going to be a great game and very competitive. It’ll be a gritty game. We don’t expect anything easy and I’d have it no other way. Let’s jump into the fire early."

For more on the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets, follow them on Twitter @OPHSWBB and on Instagram @OPHSWBB. 

Osbourn Park Inducts 2023 Hall of Fame Class

Osbourn Park inducted 11 more members to their Hall of Fame on October 26th at Old Hickory Golf Club.

The Osbourn Park community gathered at Old Hickory Golf Club to celebrate the school's third Hall of Fame Class last week. Eleven more members were inducted, bringing the total inductees of three classes to 42. Each class seems just as impressive as it's successor, and 2023 was no different. 

A happy hour was followed by a wonderful dinner, setting the stage for the Hall of Fame ceremony. Michael Foley returned as the Master of Ceremony following his induction in the Class of 2022. The former teacher and coach is a part of Osbourn Park's fabric, having been a Yellow Jacket since 1979. He'd share beloved stories and memories of the inductees, and at times it was hard to find a dry eye in the house. 

Devon Alston Heath, Class of 2004

Kicking off the night would be Devon Alston Heath. Devon was on the gymnastics team, as well as indoor/outdoor track. While at Osbourn Park, she earned four gymnastics varsity letters and was the gymnastics MVP in 2004. She'd also earn eight varsity letters at track, and was the 2003/2004 outdoor track MVP. Devon would earn nine individual district championships, two relay district championships, three Northwest Region titles and was three-time AAA All State. Devon was also a member of the first OPHS Penn relay team. Her coach, Monica Mencini Brown was also a 2023 OP HOF inductee. 

After Osbourn Park, Devon graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. While at CNU, she garnered conference championships in indoor long jump, outdoor long jump, indoor triple jump, outdoor triple jump, the 200 meter, hurdles and relay. She was All Mason-Dixon in six seasons, and a Division III academic All-American in 2008. Devon is also a Regent University of Law 2012 graduate. 

I caught up with her afterwards. 

"It feels amazing. OP was the greatest time in my life growing up. It really formed who I am today. High school wasn’t my favorite, I’m not going to lie- but if high school is ok, you’re going to be ok. It's amazing to be in the same class as Monica. She’s very special to me and part of my memories at OP.

I inquired about any advice she has for current students.

"Balance is good. Just be you, play your sport- and remember to have fun."

Kelly Beauchamp-Payne, Class of 1998

While at Osbourn Park, Kelly Beauchamp-Payne played tennis, basketball and soccer. The multi-sport student athlete would even wear the same jersey (14) as her older sister. 

"I don't know if I lived up to her in it, but I hope I did," Payne told me. 

I'd say she did. Payne was very modest about her accomplishments, racking up twelve varsity letters while at OP. She was All-District and All Region in tennis and soccer, and voted the 1998 OPHS Most Athletic Female. 

After OP, Kelly walked on to UNC-Greensboro to play women's soccer for two years. She graduated in 2002 with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science and is currently a coach at Patriot High School. 

In 2005, her husband would propose to her at the center of Osbourn Park's football field. 

"He blindfolded me after dinner, then once we got there told me it was a space I loved more than anything. We were in the center of the field and he proposed. It was the most amazing feeling."

I asked what the night meant to her. 

"I feel so overwhelmed and honored. Just so many great people and inspiring athletes and coaches in this room. It’s an overwhelming sense of pride to be here in front of my OP family."

When it came to her advice for current student athletes, Kelly was very thorough. 

"You can do it. It’s hard, but it’s not for the faint of minds. It’s for the kids who are determined and hard-working. You’ll learn so much in your failures as much as your successes. When you do fail, learn from it, grow from it and push forward to the next thing."

Monica Mencini Brown, Gymnastics coach (2001-2010)

Monica's first year as the gymnastics coach saw her get the 2001 Daily Journal All Area Gymnastics Coach of the Year. Two years later in 2003 she'd snag All Met Gymnastics Coach of the Year honors. Monica wasn't done yet, leading Osbourn Park to a threepeat of state championships in 2007, 2008 and 2009. 

She's still teaching health and physical education at Osbourn Park. I caught up with her afterwards. 

"I'm very happy. It’s nice to be appreciated and see all these familiar faces. I’m most proud to see my family and friends, those I cherish most. They got me here. It was awesome to see Devon inducted, too."

Her advice to young teachers/coaches was simple and straight to the point: "Keep your eyes on the prize, baby."

Mercedes Cox, Class of 2011

Mercedes Cox played field hockey and lacrosse while at Osbourn Park. She'd achieve 1st Team All District in field hockey in 2008, 2009 and 2010- as well as 1st Team All Region all three years, too. She was a state honorable mention in 2009 and 2010. 

In lacrosse, Mercedes was First Team All District in 2009 and 2010, as well as First Team All Region in 2010. 

Following her time as a Yellow Jacket, Mercedes went to Liberty University to play field hockey. She appeared in two NCAA tournaments and was 2014 Breakout Player of the Year. In 2015 she received the Jerry Fallwell Leadership Award. 

Brandice Hilliard (Flournoy), Class of 2003

Brandice was an exceptional track athlete at Osbourn Park, excelling at indoor and outdoor track. She garnered six MVP titles, was a team captain and leader of the 1600 meter relay. It was the first female relay to compete at Penn relays in school history. In 2002-2003 she was voted OPHS Female athlete of the year. 

After Osbourn Park, Brandice earned her degree in psychology from Virginia Tech, then her Masters from Barry University in Exercise and Sports Psychology. She occasionally works with current Osbourn Park athletes in her sports psychology capacity. She currently lives in Dumfries with her husband, fellow 2003 OPHS graduate and 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Roland Hilliard with their two kids. 

"My kids will care one day, just not today," she'd remark in her speech as the crowd erupted in laughter.

"There's a lot of excitement right now," she told me afterwards. "I'm very appreciative to be included amongst these players and coaches in front of my friends and family."

Roland Hilliard, Class of 2003

Mike Foley introduced Roland with memories of him rumbling down the field. "Roland, Roland, Roland!" Foley would exclaim. 

Hilliard would get to the podium with his son. 

"My wife and I had to find a babysitter for tonight- then realized they'd all be here, so we brought the kids with us tonight." Laughter followed. The Hilliards were two for two breaking the ice in their speeches. 

Roland was very appreciative of the honor, displaying humility and modesty throughout. He even paused at one point near the end of his speech, full of emotion as he recalled Michael Feldman's influence on him as a student. 

"He's the reason I went to college. I almost flunked out my first year. But I couldn't let him down- or my parents," said Roland. 

While at Osbourn Park, Roland helped lead the Yellow Jackets to their first District Championship in school history. He rushed for over 3,000 yards and scored 25 touchdowns. In 2002 he was District Offensive Player of the Year. Hilliard didn't stop at football, winning five individual District track titles, too. 

After OP, Roland continued his dual sports career at Christopher Newport University where he'd amass 4,477 all-purpose yards and was an Honorable Mention DIII All-American. He was inducted in the CNU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, and now works in cybersecurity. 

"It’s a lot of words and feelings. Gratitude. It’s really good just to see all the coaches and teammates from over the years. We live here, but we don’t get back enough to see the folks who molded us  in our foundational years. It’s an honor to be inducted at the same time. Who are we going to get to watch the kids? They’re all here."

Despite graduating together, it wasn't always a guarantee the two would end up as lifelong partners like they are today. 

"She didn’t even remember me freshman year. We were in class and she don’t even remember that. I remember it. I envisioned it. I had to convince her over the next fifteen years- but eventually she came to my side," Roland said as both shared a laugh afterwards. 

They'd remain good friends through college and eventually get married in 2016. 

Hilliard would speak to the influence team sports has on one's life in all areas. 

"Embrace the team aspect. You’re going to be on a team the rest of your life- whether family dynamics, or in your career. You can learn a lot of different lessons in team sports in one form or another."

Laura Flynn, Class of 1996

Laura Flynn approached the podium a few inductees after her friend, Kelly Beauchamp Payne.

"I spent the past hour writing notes before I came up here- and Kelly had a binder," she said with a hint of playful jealousy that she had not thought to do the same. 

Laura excelled in soccer and basketball at OP. She was All-District and All-Area all four years in soccer. She was the varsity MVP in 1994. In basketball she was All-District and All-Region all four years, as well as All Region in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, Flynn was the OPHS Athlete of the Year. 

Upon graduating, Laura went to James Madison University and majored in in Integrated Science and Technology with a concentration in Biotechnology. She petitioned to start a women's basketball club, where she would end up playing, recruiting and coaching. The 2023 OP Hall of Famer now resides in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and two daughters. 

"I’m feeling very honored. It’s really nice to be able to see teammates, coaches, administrators and friends who were all a part of my high school experience. Having a teammate and someone I have known my entire life being here was really cool and very special."

She'd reiterate how quickly four years flies by, and the significance of how high school can build a foundation for students. 

"High school permeates your life- the lessons you learn, the relationships you build. It helps not to just make you a better athlete but to make you a better person as well. Embrace it and enjoy every moment."

Kelly McConnell Bierwirth, Class of 2005

"When I was in tenth grade, I passed out giving a speech- so hopefully I won't need smelling salts this time around," said Kelly as she started her speech. 

The trip from Germany with her family for her induction might have been long, and almost as long as her accolades while at Osbourn Park. 

Kelly was a five- yes FIVE- sport athlete as a Yellow Jacket: lacrosse, soccer, basketball, indoor track and field hockey. 

"How did you have time to be a teenager?" I asked her. 

"Sports was my only after school hobby," she admitted. 

Kelly was All District in 2004 and 2005 at lacrosse, as well as District Player of the Year in 2005. She was All Region in 2004 and 2005, too. Potomac News named her the 2005 Player of the Year. In 2004 and 2005, she was the Osbourn Park MVP and OP Female Athlete of the Year in 2005. 

After graduating, Kelly played DII lacrosse at Pfeiffer University on scholarship, and earned a degree in Business Administration. She'd go on to earn her Master of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State. 

"I’m really appreciative my coaches had thought of me for the Hall of Fame and thought I was good enough to be nominated. It’s an honor, and I appreciate all the coaches I had from when I was little all the way to college. Play lots of different sports. There’s no reason you can’t be good at any of them. It might just be the sports you end up playing in college."

Doug Poppe, Class of 1985

Poppe was a three sport athlete: basketball, baseball and football. While at OP, he'd earn two varsity letters each in football and basketball, was a co-captain senior year, made Journal Messenger All Area Team and Northwestern District First Team. 

Poppe would go on to play basketball at Longwood University, starting all four years. He'd amass 1,300 points, 900 rebounds and led the nation in field goal percentage his junior year at 70.1%. 

In 2013, Poppe would get his Masters Degree. 

He's currently an assistant principal at Apex Friendship High School in Raleigh, North Carolina and is married to his high school sweetheart, Ellen. The induction wasn't on Poppe's radar prior.

"This definitely felt unexpected. I listened to everyone’s stories and they had a whole lot more accomplishments than I did- but I always prided myself on working hard, being there first and leaving last. I was pleased when they called me. It was really cool."

I hadn’t been back here since I coached at Brentsville- 1997. Seeing some of the kids I coached here, too- Kelly, Laura, Aaron Trammell and Justin McElfish last year- it was really nice to be among them."

Poppe's advice to current student athletes: "Work to your fullest potential. I tried to outwork everyone at everything. Concentrate on your grades. You determine what you do on the field and in the classroom."

Jo Ellen Suter, Gymnastics Coach 1979-2000

Jo Ellen Suter- like Michael Foley- started at Osbourn Park in 1979. The two worked alongside each other as teachers and coaches for fifteen years. Suter even doubled up teaching at Woodbridge as well, using the commute to clear her mind before going into each respective school with a clean slate. 

Jo Ellen saw plenty of success as gymnastics coach, reaching States 17 out of 19 years. In 1985 they were Northwest Region Champions and VHSL AAA State Champions. She was voted Coach of the Year 4 times by the Journal Messenger and Potomac News. 

Suter also coached tennis, JV cheerleading, JV volleyball, was an assistant basketball coach and the flag drill team coach while at OP. 

"It’s wonderful to be back among the OP community. I taught there for all my thirty-two years."

"Work hard, set your goals and you can reach them. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. You have to be determined."

The 1981 Cross Country State Champions

Kevin Ambrose returned for the third straight year, this time to be inducted as part of the 1981 State Champion Cross Country Team, alongside four of his teammates. 2022 inductee and former OP Cross Country head coach George Kuhn was represented by his daughter. 

"Kuhn told us- run with me four years and you'll win a state championship," said Ambrose. His junior year they'd finish third at states. 

"On coach's fortieth birthday, he ran forty miles. So we upped our daily run to 15-20 miles, and that really prepared us for the season."

I got a chance to reconnect with Kevin and see how he was feeling. 

"I'm feeling really good- and really old. It’s surprising to see so many familiar faces.

Always appreciate the hard times- because there’s always good times on the other side. Enjoy it. It’s a short four years. It might not always seem like it-but by the time you get to our age, you’ll realize it just zipped by."

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Last Friday night saw Osbourn Park not only celebrate the 2023 Hall of Fame Class during the game- but the naming of the press box in honor of Michael Foley. A special night indeed:

One thing about the Hall of Fame Ceremony- it's always fun to see familiar faces, like Michael Feldman who had connections with the entire room. 

"It's such a special feeling when kids you’ve coached get recognized. It’s not all about accolades, but how they contributed to the life of the school- and the school years later recognizes it. Fantastic representatives of our school. The other cool thing is they’ve gone on and been very successful in their personal and professional lives. They’re highly accomplished. It’s nice to know you made  a positive difference in someone else’s life and many others and see it in a public forum.

I think this is one of the best things OP does. It satisfies a lot of people, whether in this room or just at OP in general. These are the foundations of the school. What makes a school great? It’s not the bricks- it’s the people inside. When you’re in the middle of it, the days are long but you realize the time is short. It is all very humbling."

Director of Student Activities Keith Laine offered his thoughts on the third iteration of the ceremony. 

"It’s great, You get the elation, and seeing the excitement in their faces, hearing their speeches. The humility they exude when they find out they’re being inducted. It starts with a phone call, and you see it in person tonight, too. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into this- and it’s all worth it." 

Lastly, I finished off the night talking to former teacher and coach, Larry Nemerow. 

"You don’t think in these terms when you are teaching and coaching these kids- 'did I do this right or how can I be better?' Then when you see them grown up with kids of their own and doing the same things you tried to show them and doing them well- it’s shpilkes- a Yiddish word. It's a feeling of pins and needles- it makes you feel very good to see their success. When they’re kids, you don’t know what they’re going to become, and it’s very fulfilling.

I don’t walk into the room thinking this- but when you get in there and see all the connections you’ve made over the years. Some you just knew in class. Some just in the hall. Some you taught and coached their brothers or sisters."

On Osbourn Park's Hall of Fame night, everyone in the room shared that familiar feeling of fulfillment- or shpilkes.

For more on the Osbourn Park Hall of Fame, visit the HOF site.

2021 Hall of Fame Recap

2022 Hall of Fame Recap