As Jamie Carey begins her fourth season with the Connecticut Sun, she has emerged as one of the young leaders on a team with six rookies on the roster.Just four games into the season, Connecticut’s backup point guard is already off to a quick start, collecting eight assists and 12 points in 41 minutes of play.
Last year, Jamie established career highs in virtually every statistical category while leading the league in three-point field goal shooting percentage, making 32 of 71 (.451 percent) attempts.
Not too long ago, Jamie was hired as the girls’ basketball coach at Legacy High School in Colorado, where she lives in the offseason. One of Jamie’s assistant coaches will be her dad, Mike.
Recently, Jamie took a few minutes after practice to answer some questions.
Q: Not long ago, you were a rookie learning to play with veterans. Now the roles have reversed. How much different does it feel this season playing with so many young newcomers?
A: “It's been a great experience thus far with all of the newcomers. There's a vast amount of excitement and energy in our practices every single day. The chemistry among teammates has been refreshing and a joy to be a part of.”
Q: Are you enjoying the mentor role?
A: “I am enjoying being a part of this team every single day, in whatever capacity that may be. As a point guard the leadership role comes out and that's what I'm used to on the basketball floor.”
Q: You recently accepted a job as the girls’ basketball coach at Legacy High School in Colorado. How did that opportunity come about?
A: “I have had the desire to coach at the high school level for a few years now. When Legacy's position opened up, I thought I'd apply and see what happened. Legacy is one of the top high schools in the state of Colorado. I am excited about what the high school itself stands for.”
Q: What are some of the things that excite you about this coaching position?
A: “I am excited to be involved and give back to the school district that gave me so much growing up. The athletes themselves excite me. They are a talented group and very good people. You can't ask for much more.”
Q: You were an assistant high school girls’ basketball coach working for your dad two years ago. Now he will be helping you out. What’s it like coaching with your father?
A: “Honestly, one of the best decisions I have made in my life was to move back to Colorado after the completion of my first year in the WNBA. I have spent so much of my time with both of my parents and couldn't be happier. It's been a while since I have felt so connected to them and they are my world. As far as coaching with my Pops, it was a great experience. I had never seen him coach until we worked together a few years back. He has great composure and a rapport with his players. I'm looking forward to again working with him this coming fall.”
Q: You still have plenty of years left as a player, but do you see this first job as the start of a career in coaching?
A: “I'm very excited about the opportunity to coach at Legacy. I have found that working with kids have been some of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences in my career. Do I see this as a career, yes, among other things!”
