GRAYSLAKE – A star athlete at Grayslake High School in the early 2000’s, Bethany Russ now coaches the Grayslake Central Rams in basketball and soccer. This week, Russ sat down with Lake County Suburban Life contributor Tim Sieck and discussed how she defines success.

Sieck: What is your athletic background?

Russ: I played soccer and basketball at Grayslake High School from 2000 to 2004. Then, I played soccer at Illinois State University from 2004 to 2008.

Sieck: What is your favorite thing about coaching?

Russ: Developing relationships with players and seeing them improve as both individuals and a team throughout the seasons.

Sieck: What do you feel is the toughest thing about coaching?

Russ: It can be challenging to find ways to motivate each individual player to be competitive and have the heart and drive to win. Players sometimes forget that this starts with off-season training, self-discipline and a lot of hard work.

Sieck: How do you define a successful season?

Russ: A successful season comes with individual and team development. We don't have to win every game, but showing improvement each game is important.

Sieck: Who have been your coaching mentors and how have they helped you?

Russ: First, my dad. Since I was young, my dad was not only my number one fan (along with my mom), but he was, and still is, a great mentor and coach. No matter how challenging or frustrating the situation, he never lets me quit. He has taught me the importance of hard work and dedication, but most important to me is the "hate to lose" attitude. The competitive nature that he has instilled in me has undoubtedly helped me in so much more than just coaching and playing. Although I don't tell him enough, I admire, respect and look to him for advice as my greatest mentor.

Next, Mike McCaulou. From being my coach in high school, to being his assistant for five years and continuing to use him as a great friend and mentor, Mike has taught me a lot. As my high school coach, he brought such enthusiasm and passion every day to training and games. He believed in me and played a huge role in my opportunities and successes at Illinois State.

Last, Mike Hirsch. As my high school basketball coach, he taught me how to work harder for things when they don’t go your way or you don’t like the way they are going. He challenged me in a way that no one else had done before.

Sieck: What do you like to do when you are away from coaching and the classroom?

Russ: Well, right now I am busy planning my wedding. Aside from that, I still really enjoy playing soccer and basketball and spending time with my family and friends.

Sieck: How would you define the “Grayslake Central Way” as it pertains to your sport?

Russ: As a program, we want to instill hard work in our players, in the classroom, and on the field. We want our girls to be positive role models and demonstrate class, respect and modesty to their teammates and opponents.