New basketball coaches courting success. Germantown Academy's Lauren Power leading the way | Melissa Hanejko

January 15, 2024

STORY WRITTEN BY MELISSA HANEJKO, Phillyburbs.com - JAN. 12, 2024

Stepping into the shoes of a legend is never easy.

Lauren Power is just making it look that way.

Power took over head coaching duties this season at Germantown Academy after the retirement of Sherri Retif, who had won 20 Inter-Academic League titles in her 25-year tenure with the Patriots. In Retif's final season, the Patriots finished 19-11, led by Kendall Bennett, who is now playing Division 1 ball at Binghamton.

This year, the Patriots are off to an 11-3 start, playing a diverse schedule that includes matchups with Catholic League and Suburban One League teams, in addition to wins at prestigious tournaments.

In addition to her duties as GA’s assistant athletic director, Power was preparing last week to face her former team, Academy of Notre Dame, for the first time, while taking care of her 9-month old daughter, who was sick with an ear infection, and her active 2-year-old son.

Power had spent five seasons at Notre Dame, winning 76 games and one Inter-Ac title.

“The game was emotional for so many reasons,” Power said. “I put so much into that program for five years.”

While Power looked forward to seeing her former players and coaching staff, they didn’t seem as eager to see her. Until the game was over, that is.

After the Patriots sealed the 49-38 win, the emotions started flowing.

“They were all business until the final whistle,” said Power. “Once we went to the handshake line, it was a different story.”

But that wasn’t even the best part. Power’s son and daughter were on the sidelines to cheer on their mom.

“They don’t usually go to the games, so having them there made it even more special.”

Change in strategy in pursuit of an Inter-Ac title

“(Our success this season) all starts with our juniors and seniors who have been together for three and four years,” Power said. “Finishing in second (in the Inter-Ac) the last few years has made them want it more. They represent Germantown Academy in an amazing way; it’s an honor to be their coach.”

This year, the team is relying more on a balanced approach. While Izzy Casey (Bucknell) leads the Patriots in scoring (16 points per game), almost anyone in the lineup can post a team-high in points on any given night.

Power points to the team's defense as a deciding factor in the win over Notre Dame, with a “collective effort” from Casey, Jess Aponik, Jen Aponik and Gabby Bowes.

“Our defense has been excellent this year, but we’re still trying to click offensively,” Power said. “The best is yet to come.”

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