Running the fast break and breaking down game film. Passing the ball and passing on wisdom
It doesn’t matter to Hailee Sullivan, just as long as she’s a Tampa Spartan.
Sullivan is in her first year as a women’s basketball assistant coach after playing at UT from 2005-09. She came to Tampa from Skokie, Ill., for “weather, academics and basketball” and started just one game in her first two years. She finished her playing career last season by being named to the All-South Region Tournament Team. She is the only Spartan ever to receive this honor.
Sullivan helped UT head coach Tom Jessee coach kids in his summer camps. Now she is teaching her ex-teammates the fundamentals she fine-tuned as a Spartan.
“It’s different because I played with them less than a year ago,” Sullivan said. “But looking back at those times when I really wanted to say something to coach, now I see it from the other side and say ‘oh, I was wrong.’ I saw some things on the bench [as a player], but it’s still different seeing it from a coach’s perspective.”
Jessee called Sullivan the most-improved player that he has coached in Tampa. He cited her character, discipline and basketball knowledge as reasons she can transition into a good coaching career.
“We can use her as a walking, talking, tangible example that our recruits can see,” Jessee said. “She has a great understanding of how to become a good player. She got where she got through hard work. Those are the people who typically make your best coaches.”
Jessee says his newest assistant is “right on par” with where she needs to be as a first-year coach. As she learns the basics of coaching, Sullivan handles such duties as putting together film, scouting and fundraising – as Jessee calls them, “the jobs nobody wants to do.” She is also used in practice, often using her playing skills in the role of an opposing player.
Sullivan, who teaches children during the week, gives her free time to the Spartans after school and on weekends.
“I’m pretty busy,” Sullivan said. “But I like to come here and put some time in. It lets me see everything from the other side of the fence. It’s really helpful and I enjoy it a lot.”