2024 Blue KC Coaches with Character Honoree Liz Monahan – month of September
Monahan is girls’ basketball coach at Pembroke Hill High School
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the “C” You in the Major Leagues (CYITML) Foundation have announced Pembroke Hill High School varsity girls’ basketball coach, Liz Monahan, as the Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree for the month of September. A decorated coach with previous stops at Olathe North and The Barstow School, Monahan has spent the past two seasons at Pembroke Hill, while thoroughly enjoying this new chapter in her life.
“We have the best student-athletes and families at Pembroke Hill and it is truly fun walking in every day and sharing a few hours with them,” said Monahan. “The best part for me is hands-down the kids. They’re goofy, they work hard, and they’re respectful. It’s easy to build a program with the students we have. Additionally, when you’re surrounded by great adults (administration team and coaching staff) who support you and are so good at their jobs, it makes going to work ten times easier.”
Monahan has seen success on-and-off the court throughout her coaching career. She’s been able to transform the trajectory of various programs and help instill a positive and winning culture wherever she goes. Last season, her team overcame numerous injuries and still managed to win the district against a team who had only suffered two losses during the regular season before ultimately falling to Pembroke Hill.
“The games in the district round were amazing, but it was the small moments during them – seeing a girl confidently knock down a three-pointer, seeing our undersized post players battle for position down low, play amazing defense and grab huge rebounds – that was incredible,” said Monahan. “These girls trusted us and didn’t give up on each other. But getting emails from parents thanking us for helping their daughters gain confidence, for giving them a ‘family’ at school, are truly the moments I’m most proud of.”
As a coach, Monahan understands the opportunity and responsibility she has to impact the lives of her student-athletes. Her persistent effort to help build a sustainable culture has been captivating and well-documented during her brief stint at Pembroke Hill. She fully understands the challenges of high school and how critical it is for girls to have a group where they can feel accepted and comfortable being themselves.
“From a basketball perspective, I’ve received two great pieces of advice,” said Monahan. “Don’t overload the players with information, and remember that kids need six praises to every correction. Kids focus on the negatives and they need to be bombarded with positive talk as well. So, we let them know when they did something well. We are hard on them during practice, but during games we really try to just pump them up and help them believe they can and will win.”
Monahan also credits her coaching staff and reemphasizes how vital their roles are to helping the team succeed. Her trust in them on a day-to-day basis ensures every aspect and angle is covered. They meet daily to discuss practice plans, sets, lineups, and more. Monahan says there isn’t a single decision she makes without breaking it down with her assistant coaches beforehand.
“Our kids know our expectations on-and-off the court,” said Monahan. “They know how to treat each other, how to keep the locker room clean, how to encourage each other, how to start drills and practice, and so much more. We don’t have to work hard on bringing effort and energy because it’s a standard in our program. When we don’t have to micromanage these small things, we’re able to concentrate on the practice and game plan.”
“I believe the biggest role Liz plays is the one of showing young girls they can do it all,” said Monahan’s nominator, Shayla Smith. “She goes above and beyond what our job description asks of us. You can find Liz having lunch with a former athlete, staying late after practice for a quick counseling session, inviting the girls into her home with her family, and showing up to all of their biggest moments outside of basketball. We both believe our athletes are humans first & much more than just the sport they play.”
“Coach Monahan’s ability to serve as a superior role model, accomplished coach, and passionate friend, make her a well-deserving Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Her positive outlook on life and ability to connect with her high school student-athletes, both on and off the basketball court, is inspiring and well-documented. Our community is fortunate to have leaders with the mindset of Coach Monahan, and we wish her continued success in the future.”
“I think it’s really important for young girls today to have female mentors and role models,” said Monahan. “I hope that these girls see me putting everything into coaching, while also being a mom, and helping them understand that it’s possible to do both.”
Blue KC Coaches with Character recipients are honored monthly at Kauffman Stadium during Kansas City Royals home games, and fans are encouraged to nominate high school coaches who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.bluekc.com/NominateCoachesWithCharacter
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