Bousquet 

surprises – 

exits 

Woodstock 

women’s 

basketball

By Ron P. Coderre

After more than 35 years of coaching in some capacity, Willie Bousquet, the man that Woodstock Academy tapped to turn its women’s basketball program around, surprised the local sports world by announcing his resignation as the Lady Centaurs hoop mentor.  He had only been in charge at Woodstock for two seasons.

The word of Bousquet’s departure, though a surprise announcement in the coaching ranks, took some time to get out publicly.  Bousquet has been a successful coach in every venue where he’s been the head mentor.  It appeared that in his brief two seasons in Woodstock, the 55-year-old Bousquet had the program headed in a positive direction.

The improvement in the program and the fact that the incoming freshman class has some talented players makes Bousquet’s decision even more perplexing.  Why would someone who disputably is the most successful high school women’s coach decide to resign or retire when the future looks so bright for Woodstock women’s basketball?

“I’ve thought about this decision for a long time.  Having to worry about 35 to 40 girls can make the winter very long.  I’m running out of energy and was losing my desire to coach high school,” said Bousquet.

During his coaching career, Bousquet’s served as an assistant in men’s basketball but it’s been in the women’s area that he’s excelled.  He turned the Putnam High School women’s softball and basketball programs into winners after both had experienced dismal seasons. 

In both situations, Bousquet totally immersed himself in the fortunes of his players.  He’s an all-in, 100 percent coach who puts the success of his players and teams as a top priority.  He’s an extension of a classroom teacher.  What a high school coach should be.  He demands a lot but gives back more.  In the end his athletes are better players and walk away from the program with an improved outlook and confidence on the court and in life.

So what is the man who has been busy coaching every winter have planned for those long cold winter nights?

“I’ve have a few things on the docket.  Since my dad died and my mother is aging, I’m looking after our family properties.  But I’ll also be able to do what I want, like taking in some college basketball games, or attending Killingly boys games where my fiend Jim Crabtree is coaching.  I’ll probably even drop in on some Putnam and Woodstock girls games,” said Bousquet.

Bousquet also plans on continuing as a girls AAU basketball coach during the summer months.  Coaching basketball is something he truly enjoys and the AAU gig will continue to satisfy his urge to actively be on the sidelines.  

“Coaching AAU is more rewarding than high school because you have control over the times of practices.  Although the commitment is time consuming it’s not as regimented as high school.  There’s satisfaction in watching players improve during AAU,” concluded Bousquet.

As Bousquet departs Woodstock Academy after two brief seasons, there are unanswered questions.  However the veteran coach rationalizes that he’s leaving the program better than when he took it over.

“The program’s in good shape.  There’s plenty of good young talent for whoever takes over the job.  Will Fleeton was a very good assistant and he would make a great coach,” said Bousquet.

Although Bousquet professes that he’s comfortable with his decision, the question, “Why?” will continue to be asked by those who know him.  All he will say is that it’s been a great run and it’s now time for some self-indulgence.

“I feel good about why I did what I did.  I’ve given the players my best effort and always tried to put them in a position to succeed.  I’ve been successful because I’ve coached some good kids who were very talented.  My reward comes when they see me and we reconnect and enjoy the memories,” said Bousquet.

Long winters may appear shorter when you do what you want to do but filling the void left by the constancy of the coaching schedule may be difficult.  In the end the only person who’ll be able to know that is Willie Bousquet.