Playing college sports is often the highlight of any athlete’s career. Wil Bush, the assistant coach for the PLNU men’s basketball team,would argue that in addition to his college career was great, coming back as a coach has its rewards as well. Bush graduated from PLNU in 2012 with a degree in Sociology, is the coordinator for travel, director of scouting, advisor of the team’s academic progress and works with player skill development while assisting with the recruiting process. As he enters his third year as a coach, he reflected on why he came back and what it means to be a coach at his alma mater.
Q: What brought you back to coach?
A: I think one of the things that brought me back to coaching was still [having] a love for the game. I enjoy being involved in all facets of the game, and I’ve learned to love more about the game than just playing.
Q: What have you learned as a coach that you wish you would have known as a player?
A: I think as a coach you understand more about the game from an X’s and O’s perspective. As a coach, I am aware of more than my position, so it forces [me] to see everything on the court.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing as a coach?
A: The most rewarding thing about coaching is seeing our players have success on all levels. It’s fun on the court because you work on that everyday. But for me, the most rewarding success is off court with guys maturing and finding their path in life.
Q: How has coaching made you appreciate the game more?
A: I appreciate the game more by understanding what it takes to be successful. There is more to it than coming to practice and working hard for two hours. A lot of preparation goes in to be successful.
Q: What experiences from playing have you brought to coaching?
A: I think what has helped me is going from a player to a coach. I’ve been a student athlete and I understand that perspective.
Q: What was the biggest lesson your coach ever taught you, and how are you implementing it into your coaching style?
A: One of the best lessons I’ve learned from all my coaches is that no matter in game or in practice, the only thing you can control is your own effort. I carry that over into coaching by having that same mentality.
Luke Mallery 
Cade Michaelson