Timberline has landed its new varsity basketball head coach, Chris Coutts. Coutts is a very accomplished coach, with his most recent coaching appearance being an assistant coach at the College of Idaho basketball team and the Idaho Select club team. He was part of the most successful runs in the program’s history. Leading the Yotes to 2 NAIA national championships and multiple conference titles. He also supported the development of many All-Americans and All-Conference student athletes. Accolades of his team at the College of Idaho program consist of:
- 125-17 overall record.
- Multiple team scoring records.
- 36 game win streak.
- 2 NAIA national championships.
- Most wins by any college basketball team in Idaho history.
Coutts also has professional experience as a part of the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team. I was fortunate to ask Coach Coutts a few questions, starting off with asking him what brought him to come coach at Timberline.
Coutts then responded with “I have heard nothing but great things about Timberline High School and feel like the culture of the school aligns with the culture I want for the basketball team. The school’s vision for academic and athletic success aligns with my coaching philosophy.”
The next question I asked was, “What is your long-term vision for this program, and what are the immediate goals for your first season?” Coutts then responds with “My long-term vision for this program is to win championships. My immediate goals for year one are to create an identity of toughness and lay the foundation for the program’s future.”
Thus leading into my next question, “How will you establish relationships with the players and the community?” Coutts gives his response, “I look forward to building relationships with players and the community by being present and involved in the community. I have found that basketball games are won off the court through helping others and pouring into community outreach. I want to do whatever it takes to make sure people feel connected to the team, which will keep the Wolves’ Den loud and rowdy!”
The last question I asked Coutts was, “What is the biggest challenge you expect to face in this transition?” Coutts then lists his challenges: “The biggest challenge I expect to face is work-life balance. I work really hard to perfect my craft and can let that take away from doing some of the things I enjoy most in life: spending time with my girlfriend, golfing, and getting out in nature.”
This is a great hire for Timberline to start a new era. As a sports reporter, I look forward to seeing what Coach Coutts can bring this upcoming season for Timberline!
