Hamner returns home to James River High School

Lisa Billings/Chesterfield Observer Tracy Hamner, James River High School's head varsity basketball coach, helps a player with his passing during a recent practice.

If someone were to ask James River High School's new basketball coach, Tracy Hamner, if he's worried about a lack of experience headed into his first season as a varsity head coach, it would be easy for him to offer reassurance. Coach Hamner could look at the questioner and without exaggeration reply, "I've been coaching all my life."

Hamner has been surrounded by coaching ever since he can remember. His father, Wes, coached football, basketball and baseball at Benedictine High School and his mother, Ann, coached basketball and softball all over the Richmond area. Hamner has fond memories of being at a gym or field throughout his childhood.

It was during this constant submersion that he began to marvel at his dad and the way he went about his craft. Hamner says of his father, "My dad is the best coach I've ever seen. He was great at relating to kids, knowing exactly what he wanted and getting them to do it. I learned from him that you can't be a coach if you just love the sport; you also have to love the kids."

Hamner attended Benedictine High School where he was a successful athlete who relied more on his smarts than athleticism to get the job done. He decided to stay close to home for college and attended the University of Richmond. Falsely believing his playing days were over and eager to stay involved in sports, he accepted a job as the manager of the men's basketball team there. It was during his time at Richmond that he started his educational relationship with then Head Coach John Beilein.

Because of his understanding of the game, Hamner was called upon to practice with the team, eventually earning the right to dress for games senior year. Hamner believes the challenge of having to think during competition helped him prepare for his future career.

"If I hadn't played like a coach I would have gotten killed because of the mismatches I faced athletically. Some of the best players aren't great coaches because everything comes so easily to them."

Following his graduation from college in 2002, Hamner spent three years in Richmond serving as the junior varsity basketball coach at James River. He then hooked back up with Beilien, working as a graduate assistant at West Virginia, and then following him to Michigan where he was an administrative assistant. It is impossible for Hamner to recall all his duties while at his various posts with Beilein, but among them were dissecting film, scheduling travel plans, running camps, marketing relations, ticket relations and coaching during practice.

While observing the current head coach at Michigan, Hamner learned ways to be successful both on and off the court.

"Basketball-wise, I learned how to adapt your style to fit your players. Off the court, I learned to work as hard as you can no matter what it is you're doing and at the same time have balance."

Hamner decided to return to high school coaching because of the opportunity to be a head coach coupled with the school that offered it.

"I loved James River the first time I was here, and my family's here and my wife's family's here. It was the right place at the right time."

Hamner is optimistic about the current season and believes the Rapids' players share his enthusiasm. What the coach expects from his team is simple, "Play hard, play smart and compete. That has been the philosophy wherever I have been my whole life."

When the ball is thrown up at each game, a lifetime of experience influences every decision Hamner makes. According to Coach Beilein, James River fans should be able to relax knowing their team is in good hands.

"Tracy Hamner was born to teach and coach. Students and athletes will really benefit from the passion and intelligence he brings to the classroom and basketball court. I have no doubt that he will have a very positive impact on the future of the James River basketball program."