By Valeria Benitez
With Friday Night Lights behind us, it’s time to trade helmets for hoops as the Girls Varsity Basketball season kicks off with excitement. This year brings some new energy to the program with the addition of Head Coach Taja Diaz. Her arrival marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Lovett basketball, one that promises growth, competition, and hopefully tons of wins.
Coach Diaz played college ball at Fresno State, leading the Bulldogs to four straight WAC championships and four NCAA tournament appearances. She brings ample experience from both college and professional basketball, including roles in the Ivy League, Power 5 conferences, the NBA, and the WNBA.
Most recently, Coach Diaz worked as a Pro Scout for the Indiana Fever and as an Assistant Coach for the Phoenix Mercury, where she coordinated player development and game strategy. She’s also held key coaching roles at Texas Christian University, Loyola Marymount, Dartmouth College, USC, Cal State Fullerton, and Ole Miss.
I remember the excitement when I was scrolling through my emails on June 7th and saw the announcement that we had a new coach. I couldn’t wait to see what Coach Diaz would bring to our team.
In the email she talked about how thrilled she was to become Head Basketball Coach and was drawn to Lovett “because of its exceptional academic standards and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the court.”
She also shared her vision for the team: “My goal is to equip players with the skills, confidence, and character to succeed at the next level, whether that’s in collegiate athletics or beyond.”
Before a recent practice, I had a chance to chat with Coach Diaz (or Coach T as we call her) about her first season with the team and how things are shaping up. Her passion for basketball was clear, but it was her focus on building a culture of growth, both on and off the court, that stood out the most.
And it’s paying off. “A big highlight was the game against North Atlanta,” she shared. “We were down by 12, and the way we fought back showed the growth mindset we’re cultivating here. A growth mindset is a big part of our preparation. We really try to focus on not having a fixed mindset.”
That emphasis on continuous improvement is central to Coach T’s philosophy, and is already making a difference. “I think we’ve grown in our mindset. I think we’ve grown in our skill. We’re not statistically where we want to be yet, but we’re seeing improvements every day,” she said.
When I asked her about the games she’s most excited about this season, at first she answered “all of the games” as each game is an opportunity for improvement. But, if she had to pick, “I think the big ones, I’m really excited to play Westminster and definitely Holy Innocents. You know the ones that are local and that carry more of a traditional rivalry here at Lovett.” Her excitement about these matchups is contagious, motivating the team to perform at their best. However, it’s clear that for Coach T, the season is about much more than just the games
Beyond the games, Coach T’s favorite part of the season has been the players themselves. “All of you guys,” she said with a smile. “I really enjoy learning from you all. You teach me a lot. This season has been as much about my growth as a coach as it has been about yours as players.”
Coach T also reflected on her goals for the program and how they are progressing. “I think I maybe had an overview or vision for the program when I started, and so far, I think we’re doing that. We’ve got six teams and 63 players in the program, including a fifth-grade team. So in that sense, we’re definitely meeting expectations. My goals were to increase participation on campus and to improve our skill level, and I believe we’ve achieved both.”
This expansion of the program, particularly the inclusion of younger players, demonstrates Coach T’s commitment to creating a lasting foundation for basketball at Lovett.
As a player, I’ve grown as an athlete and learned to approach challenges with a mindset focused on improvement rather than limitation. I’ve also learned that basketball is about more than the scoreboard and that it’s also about resilience and teamwork. Even something as simple as running drills when we goof off has taken on new meaning. What once felt like punishment now feels like an opportunity to build endurance and discipline—a chance to grow.
The Girls Varsity Basketball team is poised for an exciting season, with Coach T. The combination of her professional experience, passion for teaching, and focus on growth has already made a lasting impression on the players and the program as a whole. It’s clear that the season ahead is not just about basketball but about building a culture of excellence that will resonate for years to come.
So grab your Lovett gear, rally your friends, and make sure to show up and cheer on the team this season. Whether it’s a nail-biter against Westminster or an epic showdown with Holy Innocents (next Friday the 13th), you won’t want to miss the energy, heart, and determination this team brings to the court. Let’s pack the stands and show our rivals the unstoppable pride and spirit that Lovett can bring.
