Honorary Coach at the WWU Central Basketball Game!

Being an Honorary Coach for WWU Women’s Basketball: A Full-Circle Moment

This week, I have the incredible honor of stepping onto the court as an honorary coach for the Western Washington University Women’s Basketball team. As a proud WWU Class of ’95 graduate, this opportunity is more than just an exciting experience—it’s a moment that feels like coming home.

Basketball has always been a part of my life. Growing up, it was more than just a game; it was a family tradition. My late father, Keith Greer, was a revered coach who inspired so many young athletes throughout his career. From coaching high school basketball and volleyball in Anchorage to leading teams at Alaska Pacific University in the 1980s and even mentoring players at NBC Camps and Phoenix Suns Camps, his passion for the game was unmatched. He coached several athletes who went on to play in the NBA and left a lasting impact on thousands of athletes during his career. His legacy continues to guide me, and stepping into a coaching role—even as an honorary one—feels like a tribute to him.

As the founder of the Bellingham Sonics, a sponsored AAU basketball program, I’ve made it my mission to create opportunities for young athletes. Our program offers competitive teams at a fraction of the cost of other programs and proudly provides full scholarships to ensure that financial barriers don’t keep kids from playing the game they love. This year, the Sonics will offer a 7th-grade girls' team, a 7th-grade boys' team, and a 16U boys' team. Watching these teams grow and thrive has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. For me, basketball is about more than winning games; it’s about fostering community, building confidence, and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Sports have always played a pivotal role in my life and in the lives of my family members. During my freshman year at Western Washington University, I was a redshirt on the WWU volleyball team and stayed incredibly active in intramural athletics throughout my time there. After college, I continued to embrace competition by playing competitive adult softball and volleyball for years, and I still enjoy the occasional pick-up game when I have the chance.

Sports have been just as impactful for my children. All of them grew up playing various sports. My oldest ran track at Squalicum High School, while my youngest two are involved in AAU & school basketball. My daughter with a developmental disability participated in Unified Sports for years, which provided her with opportunities to play, compete, and grow through the values of teamwork and camaraderie. These experiences have shaped our family’s identity and strengthened our bonds.

My personal connection to basketball extends through my family. Two of my children, a seventh grader and a freshman, are passionate players, carrying on the tradition my father started. Whether it’s cheering them on from the sidelines or helping to shape their love for the sport, I see firsthand how basketball teaches life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and leadership.

Returning to Carver Gym as an honorary coach is a powerful reminder of how far life can come full circle. I remember walking those halls as a student, dreaming about the future. Now, decades later, I’m proud to be part of a university and a program that celebrates the values of determination and excellence, both on and off the court. WWU Women’s Basketball exemplifies these ideals, and I’m so excited to play even a small role in supporting these incredible athletes.

This Saturday, as I take my seat on the bench and soak in the energy of the game, I’ll be reflecting on the many ways basketball has shaped my life. From my father’s coaching days to founding the Sonics and

spire us and deepen our connection as a family.

To the WWU Women’s Basketball team: thank you for letting me share this moment with you!

GO VIKS!