Often seen yelling out plays on the side of the court, head basketball coach Josh Tosland earned the title of West Sequoia League (WSL) Coach of the Year, leading his team to their first win at Selland Arena and a Central Section Division V Valley Championship this season.

Tosland began his career as a varsity basketball coach in the 2005-2006 season, but his association with FC began with teaching in 2002.

“I lived close to the area and just finished getting my credential and was applying at different schools, so I went in and applied,” Tosland said. “I was a sub for a year before I took a teaching job in 2002 at FC.”

Over the years Tosland has been Math department head, Activities Director, Student Leadership Advisor, and Math Teacher, in addition to Girls Basketball Coach. Tosland had never before coached until the 2004-’05 season, when he began as head JV coach.

“I helped coach youth teams for fun, but this was my first head coaching job,” Tosland said. “I always knew I would coach basketball, but didn’t think it would be girls. I am glad I do though and probably will always coach girls now.”

This the fourth time Tosland has been awarded Coach of the Year. He credits the success and hard work of his team for the award.

“I have won [the award] the last three years; they always seem to give it to the coach of the league champs,” Tosland said. “All the coaches said they thought I did a great job and it is very very nice to hear that and be recognized, but it isn’t a big deal for me. The players are responsible for me getting this award.”

Assistant coach Jim White agrees with Tosland in the aspect that the girls all made sacrifices for the team, but adds that Tosland deserved the award. White argues that Tosland gave up his time and energy both on and off the court with each of his players.

“Coach Tosland gives a lot of himself to the team,” White said. “He is always there to listen and mentor someone who has a need. He talks with the players and listens to them. He also gives them an opportunity to grow and holds them accountable.”

Tosland says although he enjoys the strategy within the game of basketball, one of his favorite things to see is young people accomplish things they previously thought they could not. Senior Tatiana Fontes appreciates Tosland as a coach, and says he often went past basketball to support her.

“Tosland has been a very positive influence as a coach,” Fontes said. “He has taught me more then just basketball. I have learned life lessons that will endure and that I will make use of.”

Tosland says he is willing to teach the game to anyone who wants to learn. When senior Da Eun Sunwoo wished to join the team after coming to America for the first time her freshman year, he taught her from scratch.

“When I first wanted to play basketball, I was too scared to tell Tosland because of his scary appearance,” Sunwoo said. “This year I realized that he is really like a father to our team. Most people just see him yelling at the team during the games, but he really has a good heart.”

White has now been coaching with Tosland for four years and acknowledges Tosland’s talent as a coach.

“Working with Coach Tosland has been a great experience, and a blessing to me,” White said. “He has been very open to sharing his ideas, and asks for input from me and others. He has a great love for the game and it can’t help but rub off on you. Because he pushes himself and those around him to be better, he has become one of the top girls basketball coaches in the valley.”

White also believes he has learned a lot from both Tosland and the girls he coaches. He says that the lessons each team member learns grows on everyone and helps provide a family environment.

“We learn something everyday at practice,” White said. “We learn from the young ladies we coach and from each of the coaches. That is what makes it such a great experience. The basketball team is a family and provides a place to grow in faith and learn from each other.”

Senior and MVP, Paige Maltos, recalls a lesson from Tosland which she says has really stuck with her. The event involves her and her teammates sneaking out of their hotel while at a tournament in Florida.

“One night while at a tournament in Florida I was sick and thirsty, but didn’t want to drink the tap water from the faucet,” Maltos said. “So (senior) Chelsea (Shuman), Tatiana, DaEun and I decided to sneak out of our rooms to go to the store and get something to drink. When we got to the hotel Tosland was waiting for us and he made us do push-ups. He warned us before that there would be a punishment if we snuck out, but he was just looking out for us.”

For more information, read the Girls’ basketball sport shorts, 2009-10, Part II or the March 1 article ASB President finishes basketball career.