MEEKER | With the high school girls’ basketball season fast approaching, Meeker High School is excited to welcome Megan Shelton, a former Meeker Cowboys basketball standout, as the new head coach. Shelton will lead the program in her first year alongside assistant coaches Greg Cravens and Jewell Kindler.
Reflecting on her return to the program she once played for, Shelton expressed her gratitude.
“It has been an honor to have the opportunity to coach Meeker High School basketball,” Shelton said. “I am glad that I can be a part of the community and help develop strong, confident, and skilled athletes who embody teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication in every aspect of their lives.”
As a former player, Shelton believes her experience gives her a unique perspective and ability to connect with her athletes.
“Being a former player has helped shape my coaching approach by helping the girls in ways that were most successful for me and my team,” Shelton said. “I can relate to them in ways others may not and help them through situations that I was once in.”
Shelton fondly recalled her time as a Meeker High School basketball player, particularly the team’s 2018 regional tournament victory.
“It was my senior year in our own gym,” Shelton said. “Not only because of our win, but because of the community showing up to support us. We always had the biggest crowds and best support. I loved getting to play sports for Meeker High School. It was a great experience and environment to be involved in.”
Shelton also acknowledged some of the challenges that come with coaching but emphasized the importance of teamwork among her coaching staff.
“Coaching always comes with challenges, and when they arise, my other coaches and I will do our best to overcome them as a unit and always do what is best for the team and our athletes,” she said.
Shelton outlined both short-term and long-term goals for the program, emphasizing relationship-building and personal growth.
“My short-term goals for the program are to build relationships with our athletes and help them build relationships with each other, which will lead to great success on the court,” Shelton said. “Along with that, making sure each athlete is a better version of themselves when they leave the gym each night.”
For the long term, Shelton hopes to create a program that inspires pride and serves as a model for future generations.
“My long-term goal is to create a program that the younger generations look up to, along with the older generations looking back and being proud that they were a part of Meeker High School basketball,” she said.
Shelton aims to instill a culture of confidence and teamwork in her athletes.
“I want to build a culture around athletes who are confident in their own abilities and their teammates’ abilities,” Shelton said. “I also want them to embody teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, on and off the court. I hope that once their time at Meeker is done, they can carry those skills into the real world and remember that hard work does pay off.”
Shelton also shared her vision for team traditions, emphasizing respect and renewal.
“One of the biggest traditions that I want to bring to Meeker basketball is making sure the athletes know that as soon as practice ends, tomorrow is a new day,” Shelton explained. “With that being said, I like to make sure all the girls high-five each other at the end of practice and fist-bump their coaches before leaving the gym. This is a sign of respect for each other and forgiveness of mistakes made during practice.”
She also hopes to pass on advice she valued as a player.
“‘Great teams are built on shared goals and values,’” Shelton said. “I want to carry this advice with my team to make sure they have a common vision and purpose. I want them to know and cherish the idea that when they all unite and work together, success will come. This also allows them to learn teamwork skills and values that they can carry on into the future.”
The Meeker High School girls basketball team will host its Girls Cowboys Shootout after Thanksgiving break, from Dec. 5–7, 2024. Shelton will make her head coaching debut on Dec. 5. Be sure to pack the stands and cheer on the Cowboys.
By JARED HENDERSON
