Trump promoted to head coach of Lady Bulldogs
To say the Beth-Center girls basketball team has a family feel is an understatement, and in more ways than one.
B-C grad Elizabeth Trump has taken over the program that she once played for, and she is no stranger.
“I was the varsity assistant last year and the head middle school coach for three or four years,” she said with a smile. “I also coached the fifth and sixth grade teams for a while as well, and I know all the girls.”
Trump saying she knows all the girls is an understatement.
“The one thing about this group, I have been coaching them since they were in elementary,” said the 23-year old. “I did the fifth through 12th grade youth program, and it seems like I have had these girls forever!”
Because of this, Trump has lofty goals.
“I have a lot of expectations, and we have a lot of talent,” she said. “There are 12 girls on the team, and each one can play varsity.
“I have high expectations for the seniors. The five returning seniors have been playing together forever. It is a really strong group of girls.”
Four seniors will start: point guard Kyleigh McDaniel, guard Alexia Fischer, power forward Bailey Bernot, and 6-0 center Violet Trump, who happens to be Elizabeth’s younger sister.
“K.J. (McDaniel) is a four-year starter and provides tremendous leadership,” said Trump. “Violet, I am really excited, and it is an honor to get to coach her in her last year.
“She was the leading scorer and rebounder last year, but she knows she has to work hard.
“Alexia came back last year from injuries and surgery, and she is fully back this year and healthy, which is great.”
The fifth starting position rotated last season, and the duo of junior small forward Keira Lamp and sophomore shooting guard Elliana Revi will both be in the spot at different times.
Senior center Emilee Bevens will provide depth inside and is playing for the first time since eighth grade.
Sophomore guard Emmalee Liberatore returns after not playing as a freshman, junior Isabella Fischer will see time at small forward, junior Izabella Connor will play at power forward, sophomore Ali Varner provides depth at small forward, and freshman Mary Bower is a shooting guard.
The Bulldogs are in Section 3-AA with Bentworth, California, Carmichaels, Chartiers-Houston, and Jefferson-Morgan.
“Chartiers-Houston, Cal, and (B-C) should be the top three teams,” Trump said. “Chartiers is very well-coached and structured; they pressure the ball and always have shooters. They have a good middle school program, and it has fed off of it.
“With Cal, the girls are getting used to their coach and will be even better from last year.”
Trump stressed a family atmosphere and is grateful to take over at her alma mater.
“Being a graduate, it is an honor to come back and coach,” she said.