Groundbreaking coach working to build confidence, culture with Mt. Pleasant boys

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, January 4, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Because of some injuries, first-year boys basketball coach Annie Malkowiak said her Mt. Pleasant team had to take a next-man-up approach.

That is an advisory from the first woman up.

Malkowiak is adjusting to life as the first woman to coach a boys varsity basketball team in Westmoreland County and the fourth to coach a boys basketball team in WPIAL history.

Her goal was not to make history but rather to make the Vikings a disciplined playoff contender.

“I expect them to win,” Malkowiak said. “Every opponent we’ve had has been great. A lot of them have been bigger opponents, but we have played hard and they are realizing what they are capable of. When things don’t go well, they can go one of two ways: They can learn lessons or tank.”

Mt. Pleasant (3-6) started 0-4 then reeled off two straight wins. A 50-36 victory at home against McGuffey went into the books as her first win.

The season has had its ups and downs for the new coach.

The Vikings couldn’t hold back Greensburg Salem in a tough 54-48 overtime loss and then allowed Connellsville to snap a 42-game losing streak. Both games were played at the Coach Paul Sapotichne Holiday Classic at Greensburg Salem.

“It was a relief, but for them,” Malkowiak said of her first win. “Seeing them believe they have the capability to do that was nice to see. They were down on themselves a little, so we had to reel them in. They had to realize it’s not going to happen overnight. If they keep working, it will come.

“They know I’m here for them. I’m all in.”

An enthusiastic and positive-minded graduate of Ellwood City, where she was a standout guard before she took her game to Cal (Pa.), Malkowiak made a connection to Mt. Pleasant when she coached in a boys church league a few years back before she took over the sixth and seventh grade boys team in the district last January.

Now more comfortable in a position she first had doubts about, the coach is learning more about her players each day, and they are doing that same with her.

Mt. Pleasant held off Charleroi on Tuesday, 40-32, to get on the winning track and, more importantly, move to 2-0 in Section 4-3A.

“The biggest challenge is building a different culture,” Malkowiak said. “I don’t want them making excuses when things don’t go their way.

“They are learning terminology — that’s the biggest barrier — how to read the game. They’re listening and asking questions. They’re like sponges.”

Players say the difference having Malkowiak on the sideline is in the preparation.

“Practices are harder, and we’re held accountable,” said senior guard Chase McCloy. “We don’t see her as a (woman) coach. She’s just our coach. There is a lot more energy.”

Mt. Pleasant has battled illness and injuries lately, with 6-foot-6 sophomore forward Carter Unger going out with a dislocated knee.

“We’re adapting and seeing players step up,” Malkowiak said. “It’s next man up.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant