Guevara gets 250th win as women top Miami (Ohio)
On Wednesday night, Central Michigan University women’s basketball’s coach reached an impressive milestone.
When the Chippewas defeated Miami University 60-54, Guevara earned her 250th career win and her 127th since coming to CMU.
“It means I’ve been coaching a long time,” Guevara said. “I’ve been privileged to coach really good players. I’ve had an opportunity to work with some very good assistant coaches. I’m just grateful.”
Guevara has been the head coach for the Chippewas since the 2007-2008 season. She quickly turned the program into a Mid-American Conference contender, posting a winning season in seven of the eight years she has spent in Mount Pleasant.
“She is very energetic all of the time,” senior guard Crystal Bradford said. “She’s a little lady full of energy. She listens to her assistant coaches and I think that’s huge.”
Bradford said she admires Guevara’s courage.
“She not afraid to try different things,” Bradford said. “I don’t think she is stuck in her ways at all. What makes her unique is how personable she is. She can adapt to all personalities. She understands how to interact with everyone.”
The veteran coach has seen a lot of basketball over her years, and has learned a great deal throughout her career.
“I’ve always been a pretty intense coach, but now I think I tend to have a better balance in my instead of just basketball,” Guevara said. “I take some time for me to understand the stresses of the job and how to relieve it.
Guevara acknowledged that her assistant coaches are her backbone and she takes their ideas into consideration.
“I have learned that if I have really good assistant coaches, to let them coach,” Guevara said. “I let them make decisions and I really try to empower them more than probably I ever have.”
Guevara’s love of basketball has never waned, she said.
“My hands still get ice cold before every game," Guevara said. "As gray as I am, I love working with young student athletes. I love teaching the game.”
Bradford is arguably the most successful player Guevara has coached. The Inkster-native has claimed numerous CMU career records, and was named MAC Player of the Year last season.
“She has helped me by staying on me,” Bradford said. “She’s helped me become a better person. She won’t let me get complacent. No matter how big the award gets, the next day at practice she’s always on me and critiquing my game.”
Freshman Cassandra Breen is just getting to know Guevara, but said she appreciates the effort her newest coach puts in to making her a better player and person.
“Coach is very driven and she does a lot for the team,” Breen said. “She’s a great lady. You can talk to her about anything. If you have any problems she will work with you and she always has everybody’s best interest.”
