By Elizabeth Contreras
Salina High School girls’ basketball coach Parker Ballard believes the most impactful lessons are often taught with a basketball in hand. For him, basketball is a vessel by which character, discipline, and faith are instilled into the athletes he leads. At Salina, his mission is to prepare his players not only to compete, but to live with integrity and courage.
“Character and discipline drive who I am as a coach,” Ballard says. “We strive to teach life with a ball. I encourage our athletes to self-evaluate often . . . sometimes you have to get out of the comfort zone to grow.” His approach to coaching is always forward-focused, emphasizing relationships and trust as the foundation for growth, both on and off the court.
“Creating relationships with athletes will create a trust that they will put the team first and do what it takes to win,” he adds. It’s this connection that allows him to guide his players not only as athletes, but as young adults navigating life.
“Watching kids improve, seeing them grow as individuals, how they handle success and adversity and learn from each other, is what drives me as a coach,” Ballard explains.
While the team’s success is an obvious source of pride, Ballard says that it is moments off the court that make him the most proud.
“When you have an athlete that has graduated and starts a family and they are not just working but thriving in life and have their priorities straight, that’s when I am the proudest,” he says, a reminder that for Ballard, winning in life will always matter more than winning a game.
Even in challenging moments, Ballard sees opportunity for growth.
“After a loss, you start to see what kids — and adults — are made of,” he says. “When you see a kid rise to the occasion, take ownership of themselves and the team, and fight through adversity, it doesn’t get any better.”
At the end of the day, Coach Ballard hopes that his students carry these lessons beyond the court.
“I want them to remember that no matter what we say as coaches, Jesus Christ is always the answer. Embrace where your feet are at that very moment because that time will be gone so soon. Be the biggest encouragement to everyone and always prepare yourself for success.”
For Ballard, the true victory is in teaching life with a ball and guiding his players to grow into young adults who face challenges with character, discipline, and faith.
