by Chaise Pfanstiel–Morningside’s women’s basketball team has added more than just players to its roster this season. Head coach Jamie Sale announced the hiring of Faith Troshynski as the official assistant coach of the Mustangs.
Troshysnki brings experience and knowledge to the Mustangs with a two-year stint as a graduate assistant at Division II Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D.
“Augustana was a great experience for me, and I truly feel it helped me grow as a coach and in my personal life,” Troshysnki shared. In the 2022-2023 season, she helped lead the Vikings to a 25-6 record and reach the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament. During her two years as an assistant, Troshynski earned her Masters of Arts degree in sports administration and leadership from Augustana.
Alongside her Masters, Troshysnki holds a Bachelors degree in exercise science and a coaching minor from Concordia University, in Seward, NE.
Troshynski said, “I am not one to sit around, I like to stay busy and learn something new every day. I think I got this from my parents always working so hard for our family when I was young.”
While pursuing her degree at Concordia University she was also a varsity basketball player. The women’s basketball program at Concordia finished 22-9 with a GPAC record of 17-5 and reached the NAIA national quarterfinals. Her sophomore year at Concordia was when things really came to light that she wanted to coach.
Troshynski had her share of responsibilities at Augustana. As a graduate assistant she was involved in every aspect of the women’s basketball program. The coaching staff allowed her to grow through her time, and with growing came room to figure out who she is. Her responsibilities on the team included recruiting, post and guard player development, scouting reports, film breakdown, academics, team travel, practice and game day operations, and social media graphics.
“At first, it was a lot to wrap my mind around, but once I got the hang of it, I was very glad they trusted me with those responsibilities. I then felt prepared and confident to take the next step in my coaching career after my time at Augustana.”
Now, stepping up to replace Jill Bodammer, who has been a staple of Morningside basketball for more than two decades, Troshynski takes on even more responsibilities. While still growing as a coach she has started to develop her own way of coaching. “My coaching style is based on the characteristics that make up a transformational leader. I value relationships and people. I want kids to be the best that they can be in their sport, school, and personal lives. I think that is the most important part of coaching,” Faith said.
Troshynki has high hopes for her team and the main goal is to make the team better every single day, and that includes now starting preseason. “I look forward to watching our girls’ hard work pay off this basketball season.”
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