Conway steps down after 11 seasons as Lady Jays’ coach

By DAVE ZIKA

A tribute to Joan Conway

After 11 seasons, 203 career wins, three conference titles and three state tournaments, head coach of the Waseca Lady Bluejays’ basketball team, Joan Conway, has made the difficult decision to step down. 

When a school hires a teacher or coach they look for a dynamic person with many qualifications. The teacher must relate and connect with all of their students, be patient with those who struggle, and challenge those with the highest potential. They must know their content, have a sense of humor, and keep their students engaged. A good coach has the same attributes in the classroom and on the court. A good coach also has to be a good role model, know their X’s and O’s, and win some games. In a nutshell, this is Conway. Joan is stepping down after coaching the Waseca Lady Jays varsity basketball team for 11 years.

Joan graduated from Waseca High School and played basketball for Ted Hammond. She received her math degree from St. Ben’s where she also participated in basketball. Her first teaching/coaching job was in Onamia, MN where she coached JV girls’ basketball. She applied, and was hired, back in her hometown of Waseca.

I’ve had the privilege to work with Joan during my coaching years. To Joan, life is all about her students and athletes. I remember fall football and getting players conditioned for the season in August. Joan would be coming off the practice field after working with the Marching Jays drum line, we’d pass and have a lively conversation. Joan coached 9th-grade and B-squad girls’ basketball for years and was always loyal and helpful to her head coaches. On our many, many long bus rides Joan would spend time in the back of the bus helping girls with their math assignments. She put in many good years before she was hired as the head girls’ coach.

In Conway’s 11 seasons as head girls’ basketball coach, her teams averaged 18.5 wins a season. She coached six teams to conference championship games, winning three. In three trips to the state tournament, Conway’s team lost two games, won one, and received medals and a state tournament trophy in 2020. Arguably the best team, that 2020 squad was sent home when Covid canceled their run after a win over undefeated Pelican Rapids in the state semifinals. 

“I had to pull the kids off the bus, as the administration came down with the news,” Conway recalled. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get over not getting a chance to play that [next] game.”

The team received medals and a state tournament trophy.

Teaching and coaching has become ever so much more demanding in today’s world. Joan has decided to step down and put all of her energy into teaching math students. Thank you Joan for making a difference for so many girls’ basketball players and giving them memories they will live with forever. Happy trails to you as you take your dogs Bennie and Duke for a walk. Put your feet up and cuddle with them: after another long, rewarding day of teaching. But know you will be missed on the hardwood!