Signal Mountain basketball standout Olivia Koontz gives back by helping youth players

More than just shining on the basketball court, Olivia Koontz is setting a great example off it.

When not blocking shots or putting up double-doubles for the Signal Mountain Lady Eagles, the 6-foot-3 junior standout can be found helping teach young kids in her community about the game of basketball. On weekends during a busy season, she wears the stripes as she officiates youth games.

Koontz, who has received strong interest from collegiate programs such as Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, enjoys giving back to the game.

“I remember when I won my first third-grade tournament in this gym,” Koontz said before spending five hours officiating games at Thrasher Elementary on Saturday. “This is where it all started for me. I see a lot of myself in the younger girls’ teams. It’s exciting to see the future of Signal Mountain basketball and see them having fun.”

Young players look up to Koontz literally and figuratively. She and others such as Notre Dame High School’s Jodie McGann take time to help them learn the game.

“It’s important to tell them what they can do better next time,” Koontz said. “I think they learn a lot from their coaches, but also the refs, too. They are familiar with us because their parents take them to some of our games and they have rec teams play during halftime of the boys’ game. They watch us play, and it means a lot to have some of them look up to you.”

The Lady Eagles are 21-4 this season and look to have hit another level after finishing 22-11 and 20-12 the previous two seasons.

Coach Kendra Bell’s stellar District 6-AA program has won five consecutive district championships and two of three meetings with district rival Red Bank. Signal Mountain beat Division II-AA’s state-ranked Baylor squad for the Best of Preps tournament championship as Koontz hit the winning putback and the MVP award.

Koontz has 1,518 career points to go with 780 rebounds and 190 blocks. She and classmate Lamiah Walker, who also has received NCAA Division I interest, have formed a dynamic 1-2 scoring punch.

“We pride ourselves on composure,” Koontz said. “When people come out and watch you, it’s important to set a good example. Good sportsmanship means a lot, too. And even when you lose, it’s important to keep your head up and learn from the lessons it teaches you.”

Spending weekends helping younger players is something she is grateful to be able to do. Koontz cherishes those days and the ones who helped her reach for her dreams.

“My parents are my biggest inspirations,” Koontz said. “They have always supported me – from youth league to showing up for every game they can now. They have taught me how to be a good person and have pushed me to work really hard.”

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.