Shawn Conrad is in his 35th year of coaching college basketball, and his 15th at the helm at Anna Maria College. He has accumulated 325 wins and counting, with 156 of those wins coming at Anna Maria. It's no wonder he's gone on to win Coach of the Year honors in the the Great Northeast Athletic Conference four times: 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2020. Coach Conrad sat down for an interview with 2aDays, in which he discusses his coaching experience, what he looks for in student-athletes, and the recruiting process as a whole.
2aDays: After coaching for 35 years, what advice would you give to your younger self who was just starting out?
When you are young, you feel like you might have all the answers, when in fact over the years you draw in so much more experience by watching other coaches and learning from them.The period of time that I was working with other people (being an assistant coach) I was able to learn so much, such as what drills they put their players through.
I got to see two drastically different coaching styles (player's coach vs. strict coach) which was very helpful to me. I had great appreciation from being able to see both sides and the respect that the players gave the two different approaches.
2aDays: When it comes to recruiting, what stands out most to you?
It's work ethic first for me, I like to get there early and see how the athlete warms up. Also, it's harder these days with highlight videos. I prefer to see multiple games of an athlete to see how they handle adversity and success.Attitude is also very important when it comes to recruiting for me.”
Related: 3 Ways to Make College Basketball Coaches Notice You Without Film
2aDays: COVID-19 has affected recruiting in major ways, have you had a harder time recruiting because of it?
I think it's kind of the same. We didn't have a season last year due to COVID-19, so I was able to watch three or four games a night for about six to eight weeks. I was able to expose myself to more players.I don't love watching film as opposed to being at the game, but it allowed me to take a harder look at athletes. I really don't think we missed a beat.What else was I gonna do? We didn't have practices or games. So I sat there on my phone and watched games, and I feel we were able to take advantage of it.
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2aDays: Do you have coaches on your staff that you trust to do some of the recruiting for you?
I do. I have a couple of young guys who are on-staff and have been doing a ton of recruiting, including my son who is working from home right now.
It can't be a one-man show. I'd like to see everybody play and be the main way of communication, but I rely a heck of a lot on my assistant coaches and respect what they bring back to the table.
Related: Quinnipiac Basketball Coach, Baker Dunleavy, Gives Impressive Recruiting Advice
Coach Conrad has a lot of coaching and recruiting experience that he uses wisely in order to achieve success. Anna Maria College just concluded their 2021-22 basketball season with a 15-11 record. Be on the lookout for Anna Maria to bounce back even stronger next season with Coach Conrad at the helm for his 16th year at the school.
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* Originally published on April 20, 2022, by Ashton Grenon
