RayLynn Ratcliff and her family.
From one “ville” to another, RayLynn Ratcliff has spent her life following the bouncing basketball.
She grew up in Colville, playing God’s chosen sport from AAU through her high school varsity days, where she earned All-League honors.
Then, after meeting her husband, Chris, she eventually moved to his hometown of Coupeville, where the duo are raising their sons.
Now, after coaching rec league and SWISH basketball in her current home, Ratcliff is stepping up a level, joining Alex Evans and Jaylen Nitta as Coupeville Middle School boys’ basketball coaches.
“I have always said to my husband how much I would love the opportunity to coach as our boys got older!” she said.
“As our youth Swish league kicked up last year, I was excited to step in and volunteer coach our boys 5/6th grade team,” Ratcliff added.
“This group was so fun and watching them all progress and grow through the season is really what made this specific job seem like such a great fit.”
Ratcliff has seen firsthand the impact a coach can have on their players, as she hails her grandpa, Ray Clark, for his work with both her and her teammates.
“My grandfather taught me a love for the game from an early age,” she said.
“We spent so many early mornings in the gym, putting in the hard work in the off season and when in high school, I was able to convince him to come out of coaching retirement in order to be our girls’ basketball head coach.
“It is because of him I am the athlete, and the coach that I am today.”
Working with young athletes gives Ratcliff to make an impact on their growth both as players and people, something which means a lot to her.
“One of my favorite things about coaching is seeing the “light switch on,” she said.
“Seeing things click and start to make sense and to see the smile and excitement these young athletes have when they are able to accomplish something new!
“As a coach, I do not take lightly the responsibility I have to influence and motivate these young athletes!”
Her own sons are on their way up, with one playing middle school hoops this season, and another not that far away.
The chance to help them, and their teammates, grow, is the driving force for Ratcliff.
“I am excited to be here for a while and help build strong athletes for the future of our Coupeville High School, this year but for years to come!” she said.
“I appreciate the support and guidance Coupeville High School’s head coach, Brad Sherman, has provided to us coaches,” Ratcliff added.
“We are really working hard to implement many of the beliefs of our high school boys’ team now at the middle school level.
“My hope is that by doing so, we build a strong and understanding foundation for these young athletes’ future!”
Ratcliff wants to be like her grandfather, the kind of coach who players remember long after they’ve moved on to the next stage in their lives.
“My biggest hope for this group is that they walk away from this season with a true love of the game!” she said.
“Of course, I would love for them all to become stronger athletes, build a strong foundation of the sport, learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship as well, but to see them have some fun is what I am most excited for!”
Ratcliff wants to work closely with her players, finding their strengths, and sparking them to hone their skills.
“I hope to be an influence to every athlete I work with,” she said. “Someone who always encourages them, supports them and is someone that they look up to and to be the type of coach that makes a difference in their lives.”
Her own support system has been strong over the years, encouraging her to offer the same to the young athletes she guides.
“I have one of the best support systems surrounding me,” Ratcliff said. “Many of them have been a big influence on who I am as a person and the belief system I have.
“My husband and my boys are my #1 supporters and have always challenged me to go after my dreams and not sell myself short! You will almost always see them behind me supporting me!
“I also come from an amazing (and large) family support and their encouragement for my athletics from a young age is what pushed me as an athlete.”
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