The girls basketball head coach, Shantell Pointer, is not only the head coach, but was also a student-athlete at Plano Senior. Pointer’s journey from a student-athlete to coaching the girls basketball team at her alma mater is what some would call a full circle. Contributing to the success of the PSHS basketball team, she found a love for the sport that would last throughout her lifetime. This gives Pointer firsthand experience, having played for the same school that she is currently head coach for.
“The school hasn’t changed but it’s very surreal seeing the same teachers, buildings and everything,” Pointer said. “It’s still so fun seeing most of the traditions have stayed the same since I was a student at Plano.”
Pointer graduated as the class of 2007 and was on the varsity girls basketball team for all four years of high school. Because of her background of being a former student at Plano, she has knowledge of the history of Plano basketball and precisely what it takes to succeed at that level, having experienced highs and lows firsthand.
“It’s fun coaching for the team of the community that gave me so much,” Pointer said. “It’s truly a full circle for me, especially since I was a player on the girls basketball team during my time at Plano.”
She shared personal stories from her time as a player, talking about the traditions that make the program special, and reinforce the values of hard work, perseverance and teamwork that are at the core of the program’s success. This connection to the past creates pride and an eagerness in the players to succeed. They know their coach’s commitment to their success isn’t just a professional one, but a very personal one. Her leadership is a reflection of the values instilled in her when she was a young athlete; she has continued to pay that forward by introducing the same values in her players today.
“I love seeing the same school spirit from when I was a student,” Pointer said.
The position of coach Pointer is important not only because she had been a player that came back to lead the girls’ basketball team at Plano Senior, but also for what she means in terms of the values of hard work, legacy and community. Her full-circle journey adds an extra layer of meaning to her coaching career, and serves as inspiration for current and future generations of athletes. It’s a reminder that sports are about more than just winning games; they’re about building character, creating connections and leaving a lasting impact on the community. Pointer is doing just that, one game, one player, one season at a time.
