New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

NK native out to change culture at first college head coaching post

By Andre Jones | December 13, 2012 1:20 pm

Above, Mount St. Mary’s coach Jamion Christian signals instructions to his team during last Friday’s 62-55 victory over Navy. At bottom, Christian has a hug for Rashad Whack after his star guard scored 18 points against the Midshipmen.

Andre' Jones photos

After his team’s victory last Friday night over the visiting Navy Midshipmen, Mount St. Mary’s University head basketball coach Jamion Christian waved to the crowd, addressed the media, and hugged his wife and son.

The New Kent County native isn’t just coaching a basketball team– he’s changing the culture.

Christian’s impact on his college alma mater is impacting several lives on the university’s campus and in the community. He arrived on campus to fanfare of those who knew of his tenure as a player for the Mountainers from 2000-04. Now, he returns to bring back life to a program that has struggled for more than 10 years.

Among his goals from day one has been to do things that would show his players that his decisions impacted lives, not just on the court.

“I arrived here and the players saw how people reacted to the announcement,” said Christian. “They saw how excited community members were and figured that I meant something to the program.”

Christian’s commitment can be considered an understatement. First, he hired assistant coaches with whom he was familiar, but more importantly trusted.

“These [coaches] love what they do and that’s one of the first things I wanted these guys [players] to see,” he said. “You have to love what you do and it makes life easier. These coaches do just that.”

Christian’s collegiate coaching stops at Emory & Henry, Bucknell, William & Mary, and Virginia Commonwealth garnered experience for his current position.

“[Head coaches at those schools] have more than 800 wins combined,” he said, speaking on the coaches’ success. “Factor in 500 wins under [former New Kent boys’ basketball coach] Ed Allen and I have gained a lot of knowledge to get to where I am at today.”

More lessons were taught at practice the day before the game. Whether it’s showing how to get open for a shot or yelling at a freshman for not executing for the scout team, Christian’s competiveness is something that has rubbed off on his players.

“The thing I think they have picked up from me is how relaxed I am in the game and how intense I am at practice,” he continued. “We work hard because we are not where we need to be. The kids are having fun and at the same time learning what it takes to win.”

Christian’s practice consists of drills changing every four minutes. At the end of practice, his competitive nature arises as he challenges his starting point guard to a free throw shooting contest.

The fellowship doesn’t end after practice. A team dinner consists of watching game film and deciphering scouting reports with his players.

All while coaching, Christian gets the team name out in the community. Under the previous regime, the team had limited experiences outside the school. Christian’s vision of success includes volunteer service. Once a month, he takes players out to perform community service that includes visiting children in hospitals and building homes. Most recently, the team spent Thanksgiving weekend serving the homeless at a food bank, an activity that players responded to as heartwarming, he said.

“These guys are experiencing a lot of new things that will bond us and make them stronger,” he said. “They need to see things like this.”

Concern for the players is one thing the 2000 graduate of New Kent High School emphasizes.

“These guys need to be successful academically,” he said. “They need to stay focused and have their priorities straight.”

Christian said he personally works with one of his players academically.

“I bet you there isn’t any one Division One coach who is tutoring his or her athlete,” he said adamantly.

His passion and concern became evident during the drive to Friday’s pregame meal.

“I just want these guys to see how successful they can be,” he said. “They work so hard to get to the point where they are.

Players have adapted to Christian’s philosophy on and off the court. Coupled with a free-flowing offense, they took the court Friday night with confidence, passion, and general care for loving what they do– confidence built within the players and amplified to the 1,800 supporters in attendance.

Fans cheered and erupted as the hosts Mountaineers won 62-55 over visiting Navy, garnishing the fourth win of the season for Christian and a 4-3 record, the first winning record for the team during the season in nearly five years. By contrast, Mount St. Mary’s won a total of eight games during the 2011-12 campaign.

In the media room after the game, those unfamiliar with Christian’s coaching style were awestruck by what they have witnessed. His players, however, said they are enjoying the freedom he’s given the team.

“He trusts us,” said guard Rashad Whack. “He gives us the green light and if we mess up, he encourages us to get it right.

“I never yell at them during a game,” said Christian after the press conference. “The best way to get across a point is to remain calm and encourage them.”

That lesson learned by a young man out of New Kent has now become a realistic dream for a community of 2,800 people.

“Together,’ he said, “we are going to make things happen here at the Mount.”

Click here to see Coach Christian gameday preparations!

Click here to see Coach Christian in action and postgame press conference!