Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Gino Rossi

Gino Rossi shares his passion for basketball as a coach at the Dr. Phillips YMCA.

By Steven Ryzewski
| 4:35 p.m. November 11, 2016

Sports
Youth Sports

Dr. Phillips resident Gino Rossi has become a stalwart at the Dr. Phillips YMCA, volunteering and coaching youth basketball teams for the past four years. Rossi brings a passion to each of his youth teams he coaches and often will coach more than one team if the Y is in need. Senior Youth Development Director Jason Hernandez calls Rossi “a true volunteer who wants to see the youth get better.”

Why do you coach?

I coach because, when I was growing up, I didn’t have this. It’s an opportunity. My son is into basketball, so I’ve been coaching him since he was a little kid. I’m basically doing it because I want to teach the kid opportunities I didn’t have when I was growing up. … I love the game of basketball.

What do you enjoy about it?

Them calling me “coach” — that’s the thing. My son, he doesn’t look at me as his father when I’m coaching him. He looks at me as coach.

What’s the hardest thing about coaching the younger children?

The hardest thing is them focusing. It’s hard at the younger ages for them to comprehend the little things, but it’s a process.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment as a coach?

Seeing these kids grow. A lot of these kids I coached in third grade and now they’re in sixth or eighth (grade). About 90% of the kids I coached are still playing basketball.

What was the most memorable game you coached?

A couple weeks ago, they chose our team, and we played during the halftime show for the Orlando Magic. These kids may not ever be on that court ever again unless they play college or pro basketball. Some of these kids had never even been to a Magic game. To see their faces and how excited they were was amazing.