Women’s Basketball
Getting to Know your U SPORTS student-athletes: Mara Lis Marchizotti
Throughout the 2017-18 season, U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our new interview series “Getting to Know…”
Name: Fabian McKenzie
School: Cape Breton University Capers
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Position: Head Coach
Seniority: 19 years
Previous school/position: None
Hometown: Glace Bay, N.S.
1. How did you first get involved in coaching? What was your path to your position as head coach of Cape Breton?
My high school coach encouraged us to get involved with the local junior high programs. From that point, I worked my way up through the local ranks in the Martimes.
2. Who are the people that have influenced you most as a coach?
Long-time basketball coaches Claire Mitton and Mike MacKay
3. How would you describe your coaching style?
Passionate
4. What is your greatest coaching moment or achievement?
Watching my players graduate, becoming great parents and having successful careers
5. What’s the best advice you can give to an athlete and/or athlete’s parents?
Don’t get swallowed up by the hype of prestige and big money. Find what truly matters to you, your passion, and pursue it.
6. How have you changed as a coach over time? What principles/values etc. have remained the same?
I have become a better teacher of what truly matters.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in coaching mode?
Reading, spending time with family
8. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you as a coach?
I once forgot to pack my dress pants for a road game. I had to coach in my track pants.