Schools
Visitation Names New Head Varsity Basketball Coach
Zach Hernandez served as the junior varsity coach during the past two seasons.
The has named Zach Hernandez as their new head varsity basketball coach, beginning his duties immediately.
Former Coach Brian Kramer resigned at the end of the season, effective after the team banquet, according to Mike Brill, Visitation’s athletic director.
“Coach Hernandez brings to Visitation a love and respect for the game of basketball,” said Brill in a statement. “He enjoys working with young people, and takes great pride in the strides his athletes make. He is an excellent role model and understands and supports the virtues that Visitation promotes.”
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Hernandez previously coached the ninth-grade basketball team at Visitation from 2007- 2009. He has been the junior varsity coach over the last two seasons, from 2009-2011.
Before coming to Visitation, Hernandez spent several years as a basketball camp instructor and volunteer coach in the St. Paul area.
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“What I like most about coaching basketball is working with the kids and being able to give back to the community that I grew up in,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez is a 2002 graduate of (STA) in Mendota Heights, where he was a varsity starter in two state championships at STA. He was part of the All-State Tournament Team in 2001. Hernandez played basketball for all four years during his time at STA. Hernandez attended DePaul University, where he graduated in 2006 with a degree in finance.
“Basketball is a passion of mine,” Hernandez said. “Giving that passion back to the next generation is my favorite part of coaching.”
Hernandez has already started preparing for the 2011-12 season by talking to players and striving to instill confidence in them.
“I want them to start thinking that we’re going to win every single game,” Hernandez said. “I’m also going to work on changing the program to become more competitive with other teams in our conference.”
He added it’s going to be a nice start to the season with “really good players” coming back this fall.
“I’m very enthusiastic and excited to move forward and reach these goals,” Hernandez said. “I want to make sure everybody in the program has the best experience that we can give them.”
The Blazers finished the 2010-2011 regular season with a record of 10-13, and won their first post-season game playing Class AAA against St. Paul Johnson March 2. Their season ended in a section semifinal battle against Hill Murray.
