Morales pg 9 7-3-19
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PUTNAM — Amanda Morales, hired last week as the new head coach of the Putnam Science Academy girls’ prep basketball team, is up for the challenge.
Athletic Director Tom Espinosa said Morales stood out in the interview process for her ability to recruit talented kids and her knowledge of NEPSAC Schools. She joins a team with a 45-16 2 year run under previous coach Derek Marchione.
Morales, the former Watkinson School coach, saw success quickly going 19-4 in her first year while helping Watkinson qualify for the Class C NEPSAC Tournament for the first time in school history. She then notably qualified for the tournament the following two seasons including last year’s 18-6 record that took the team to the Class C Semi-Finals.
Morales said she had “fantastic” years while at Watkinson School but also was excited about taking the next step at Putnam Science Academy. “I really look forward to developing good relationships with these kids. I’m going to be teaching math as well so the kids will see me during school and parents will know they have a coach who is invested in their child’s future.”
Morales will take on a roster with five returnees from last year’s team in Lucie Castagne, Damoni Tucker, Aaliyah Brittan, Nasserine Williams and Niya Fields, the lone starter remaining from the Mustangs team that took home third place in the Independent School National Championship tourney.
Fields, an excellent defender for PSA, will be called upon to take on more of a leadership role with Fatima Lee and Ariana Koivisto graduating this past year. But multiple recruits are still planning on attending PSA even with a new coach at the helm. Delainey Haines, a post-grad from Maine, is still committed to Putnam Science along with “several others” as coach Morales still aims to bring in around “five to eight girls to help with depth.”
Morales brings a “very straight forward” attitude to her new position while also “not sweating the small stuff” when it comes to the job. “I’m excited for the season to be here and get these ladies out on the court. We are going to surprise some people with our play … getting up and down the court and playing tough basketball.” She said: “It’s so important and that’s what we are looking for… All for one and one for all attitude where girls can give it their all and know that whoever comes off the bench will do the same.”
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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