Caring for our Community: In Conversation with Recently Hired Coaches | Caring for our Community | News | Friends Select School

NICOLAS LOPRESTO
HEAD COACH, AQUATICS AND VARSITY SWIMMING

What excited you most about joining the Friends Select community?
Having already spent seven years as a part-time coach in the Friends Schools League (FSL), I was familiar with the supportive and uplifting Quaker community. Getting to live and support the Quaker experience day in and day out has been an exciting opportunity, both as an educator and coach, and also personally.

How would you describe your vision for Friends Select’s swimming program, and what role do you hope the aquatics center will play?
The vision, in a word, is “excellence,” but our version of it. We look to support our students and help them learn and grow as successful and dedicated athletes and teammates. Our swimming program is a source of pride for the school and for our participants, and we look to build upon that already great tradition.

What opportunities do you see for strengthening the long-standing partnership between Friends Select and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, which helps train lifeguards for pools across the region?
We will continue to maintain the partnership with the city by providing facilities and support for their lifeguard training program. We have over 140 students and families associated with Friends Select’s swimming program, and we encourage our families and students to consider becoming part of the Parks & Rec family as well. At this time, we provide off-season work for Parks & Rec lifeguards and will continue to keep an open mind as to the needs of our city.

What has your experience been like working with Friends Select students so far?
It is clear that Friends Select requires commitment and high expectations of its student body, and both the FSS Aquatics and Varsity teams reflect those expectations. The athletes in both programs bring joy to each and every practice and a fantastic work ethic. There is a willingness to learn that each student has shown, and that is reflective of the community as a whole.

How would you describe the FSS community and the support you have received?
My first impression of the community was one of kindness and generosity. I have said candidly in the past that a Quaker educational environment is one of the most positive and supportive spaces I have ever encountered. Early on, it was clear that Quaker values are deeply embedded in the FSS community. After nearly a year here, my first impression continues to be a lasting one.

ISABELLA ROBINSON-CLOETE
FIELD HOCKEY COACH

What inspired you to join Friends Select as the field hockey coach, and what has stood out to you about the school’s athletic philosophy or culture?
I was inspired to join, first and foremost, by my love of field hockey; the sport has been central to my life. When I saw the chance to work on and build a program where I could share that same love of the game and what it brings to others, I could not pass it up. Additionally, my previous experience as a member of the FSL made the opportunity to rejoin its community very appealing. I really appreciated all I gained from my participation in the league: community, competition, and life skills.

Furthermore, what drew me to Friends Select was the athletics department’s aim to build the same values I gained and to offer me the opportunity to instill them in my players. I value the philosophy of building students’ self-esteem and community through teamwork and individual accomplishments. Additionally, I value the culture around committing to one’s self, team, and school community and always preparing students for the whole of life.

What has been most meaningful about working with FSS athletes?
It has been meaningful getting to know the players. All members of the FSS field hockey team are passionate about everything they do. Whether on or off the field, they are committed to the team, their community, friends, schoolwork and clubs, and external commitments such as dance, theater, other sports, and more. It has been such a privilege getting to work with a team that consistently brings excitement and positive energy every day and to everything. I deeply enjoyed getting to know all of them throughout the season and look forward to seeing them continue to grow.

As a new member of the community, how have students, families, and colleagues helped shape your FSS experience?
As nerve wracking as it can be to join a new community, I felt almost no nerves when joining Friend Select. I immediately felt welcomed by my colleagues in athletics, the students, and the families. Everyone in the athletics department was kind, supportive, and understanding. They were all so helpful in my acclimation, and everyone’s passion for athletics was incredibly inspiring and motivating.

The students were energetic and authentic the first time I met them. They were open about their hopes and goals, and that all made me feel accepted into the community. Seeing the families’ passion and enthusiasm, rivaled only by their kids’ energy, was incredibly encouraging. They were all very welcoming and supportive of the program, and having them share my excitement for its potential was motivating and comforting. All parts of the FSS community invited and welcomed me in, and I am beyond appreciative for the support I have received this first year.

What goals do you have for the field hockey program, and how do you envision its growth?
My biggest goal is to create a program that players are excited to join and participate in, and one that they will think back on fondly. Along with that, my hope is to build a program whose athletes' prowess and success reach the top of the league and beyond. Under my leadership and that of other coaches, I envision continuous support of the players as they join and grow on the team. And now that we know the players and the team, we can better challenge and foster their skill development. We also have a setup for practices and games that will continue to grow and adjust as the team builds its skills and new players join. I hope to maintain and further this team’s desire to compete and win while ensuring we all always have fun.

EBONY TWIGGS
VARSITY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL COACH

What drew you to FSS and its basketball program?
Honestly, when Coach Tea contacted me, she told me how she was trying to turn the basketball program around and that she needed me. I kind of questioned myself before agreeing to join the team!

How would you describe your students’ energy and commitment?
I haven’t been a coach for long, but what I will say about my team is that they work hard and I absolutely love them. We are still working on the commitment part as far as showing up, but the commitment to getting better is there for sure!

What values or coaching principles are most important to you, and how do you hope to instill them in the program?
The most important principle I hope that I am instilling in my players is that it’s okay to make mistakes. You won’t make every shot and there will be some tough losses, but don’t allow those to hold you down. This goes for basketball and life!

How has the FSS community—students, families, and employees—supported your transition into this role?
When I first walked through those doors, I was so nervous; the staff at FSS made me feel at home right away. Hearing “Hey, Coach” will always melt my heart!

What excites you most about the future of the girls’ basketball program, and what do you hope your players take away from their experience?
It excites me to know that I am a part of change, and every day that I walk into that gym and watch them practice and play, I know I’ve helped them get to this point.
The main thing I hope my players take away from being around me is that they know and can see that I genuinely care about them, not only as basketball players but as human beings. I want them to succeed on and off the court! Also, when they get older and tell basketball stories, I want them to talk about how nice and funny I was! I’m “lit,” as the kids would say.