Head Coach - Nicholas Wold
This is my sixth year coaching and teaching here in the Monroe School District. My first two years I served as the boys freshmen coach then for the past three years I have coached the boys junior varsity team, and finally this will be my first year as the varsity head coach. I have also been a varsity football assistant coach responsible for quarterbacks and defensive backs. I currently teach Health / PE and leadership at the high school. I have also been the student activities director as well as the link crew coordinator.
We believe that champions are not born they are made thus our programs philosophy is “Build Success”. As teachers of the game we must teach principles that will enhance life long success for our basketball players on and off the court. Coaches are able to teach in the unique environment of athletic competition. This provides the opportunity to teach interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as leadership, and life skills. Students have the opportunity to enrich their learning with the "real-world" experiences of being on a team. Seizing these teaching and learning situations is a priority of all those within the "basketball family".
Our main objectives must revolve around making basketball personally rewarding for everyone involved. Members of the program must feel as though they are a part of the "basketball family". The coaching staff must understand that success is not always defined by winning and help their teams to set appropriate goals. These goals should remain a constant source of motivation and must be regularly revisited to move students forward. Our coaching staff will remain positive and supportive of all our student-athletes. Positive relationships are critical between the students, parents, staff, and community. Through this relationship we can build trust, respect, and an open line of communication in which everyone involved has a clear picture of each student-athletes' role within the team.
Varsity Assistant Coach - Dan Bare
I have been coaching and teaching in the Monroe School District for eleven years. I've coached at a variety of levels including eighth grade boys and girls basketball at MMS and MJHS for four years, J.V. boys basketball at MHS for four years, and for the past three years I've been the boys varsity assistant at MHS. As a teacher, I taught ninth grade humanities block for seven years, and have been teaching U.S. history at MHS for the past three years.
My experience coaching has enabled me to develop and evaluate my coaching philosophy over the years. First, I believe that coaches have a responsibility to demonstrate a diligent work ethic, a desire to learn, and a love for the game. Second, as coaches it is our responsibility to teach the game of basketball with an emphasis on fundamentals. Furthermore, by focusing on the teaching process, respecting the game, and doing things the right way, results will follow. Finally, as teachers and coaches we have a great opportunity to impact young people and teach life lessons. Sports are a great medium to teach values such as teamwork, dedication, work ethic, and dealing with adversity. Thus, my ultimate goal for Monroe basketball is to help produce not only quality players, but quality people as well.
Junior Varsity Coach - Tyson Horner
This is my fifth year of coaching and teaching in the district. Originally from Mill Creek, my wife and I moved to Monroe after completing college at the University of Washington. I love the competitiveness of high school basketball but ultimately I became a coach to develop character in young men. In addition to coaching, I teach Social Studies at MHS and run the ASB. Away from school, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast who also enjoys hiking, skiing, and competing in local triathlons. Finally, I am a proud father of a 1 yr. old daughter and future Bearcat Hall of Famer (Eliana Noemi Horner).
Freshmen Coach - Matt Chalfant
This is my 1st year coaching and teaching in the district. I graduated in 2001 from Sehome High School in Bellingham then went on to graduate in 2005 from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Psychology and Business Administration. After graduation from SPU, I soon realized that my true passion was in teaching and coaching, which lead me back to school where I received another degree in 2008 in Education.
I chose to come to Monroe because of the true feel and sense of community, as well as the loyal support of parents and fans of both students and athletes. I thoroughly enjoy making a positive difference in young people’s lives and strive to demonstrate what it means to be a respectful and responsible individual towards others in the classroom and on the court/field. Along with coaching basketball, I coach the defensive line for Monroe High School’s football team. I also love hanging out with family and friends and anything that involves sports. Finally, I’m looking forward to a great year and making a positive difference in the community of Monroe.