SJ Sports: Wash. Twp. Hoops

Ten years ago, head coach Donna Costa was leading Carolyn (Blank) Johns and Jen Natale, and the rest of the Washington Township girls’ basketball team toward a championship. Now, all three are joining coaching hands to accomplish that same goal.

In her 18th season as head coach at her alma mater, this 1972 graduate of Washington Township has committed herself to excellence. To achieve such a standard, Costa relies heavily on the support of the administration, parents, players and assistant coaches.

“I expect everyone in my program to make a full commitment,” said Costa. “Everyone has to work as hard as I do.”

Growing up, Natale was drawn to the program’s devotion and made the decision to attend Washington Township based on Costa’s success.

“She was very intense,” said Natale. “She was positive, and motivating and I liked her coaching style.”

Known for their running game offense and their man-to-man defense, Costa must be doing something right as she recently surpassed her 300th career win mark.

Natale was a major contributor to Costa’s winning number. This well-known point guard led Washington Township to a 71-0 record against South Jersey opponents in three seasons. With All-Olympic Conference and All-South Jersey recognition it’s no surprise that Natale would put all of her emphasis on being a team player.

“I played with a talented group of people,” said Natale. “I cared more about the team accomplishments than anything else.” As a result, Natale directed Washington Township to four Olympic Conference Championships and three South Jersey Championships. Although Natale was considered the floor general, she strongly believes that without their laid-back leader Carolyn Johns their team would have been lost. “She was like Mother Hen,” said Natale. “She kept us all together and she was the key to our success.”

Nominated First Team All-Olympic Conference, Johns was recognized on and off the court. This powerful post player was not only an athlete but was also a scholar in the classroom. “She was a very physical in the post and extremely disciplined,” Costa said.

As a coach, Costa is dedicated to the players who are willing to do whatever it takes to win. On that note, Costa had the utmost respect for both Johns and Natale. In Costa’s eyes, both leaders brought different but equally essential elements to the team.

“Carolyn was a quiet leader,” said Costa. “If she looked at you, you knew to step it up.”

Natale, on the other hand, was more vocal.

“Jen expected a lot from her fellow teammates,” said Costa. “Everyone was expected to work as hard as she was, no questions asked.”

During high school, Johns and Natale built an unforgettable bond. As teammates, the notion of one-day coaching together on their own high school stomping grounds raced through their minds.

“It’s something we’ve always talked about and looked forward to,” Johns said of the union. For the past 24 years Costa has looked forward to that day. In hopes of keeping the winning tradition alive, Costa aspired to someday leave the program to one of her former players.

“My goal was to bring my kids back,” said Costa, “but I want to enjoy their company for awhile.”

After accepting a full-scholarship to Fairfield University, winning a MAAC Conference title, and taking a trip to the NCAA Tournament, Natale is bringing all of her experience back home.

“It was always a goal of mine to come back and coach for my high school,” Natale said.

The idea of developing young players, teaching time management and helping youngsters get to the next level was appealing to Johns as well. Her experience as a student-athlete at West Chester and her background in education made her a perfect coaching fit.

With open lines of communication, Costa allows her assistants the chance to share their ideas.

“She gives us the opportunity and freedom to say what I need to to help the kids get better,” Natale said.”

Both Johns and Natale have a lot to offer these young athletes and are willing to do whatever it takes to put Washington Township back on the charts.

As friends and co-workers, all three coaches are bringing their strengths together. They are true professionals who are committed to the program and to one another.

“I mentor them and they mentor me,” said Costa. “Now, we’re talking the real game of life.”

Pinned For Success Washington Township’s 112-pound wrestler Dave Tomasette broke the school record of 113 career wins in February. Tomasette’s 114th win came against Delsea, as he surpassed Carl Schmidt and Brian Birttingham.

“It was awesome.” said Tomasette. “It was a stepping stone in my career.”

In a sport like wrestling, a combination of natural talent and devotion will always prevail. The athletic Tomasette is one of these fine competitors who is also dedicated to success. He believes that making the commitment day in and day out is the key component to becoming a champion.

“I go out there,” said Tomasette “and wrestle the best I can every day.”

Content provided by South Jersey Sports Club.

For more Local Sports features, visit our Sports page.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: SJ Sports Club-Pilar Prassas