The Emery/Weiner School’s basketball program is transforming with the arrival of veteran coach Ray Marshall. With over 36 years of coaching experience, including a stint with the Houston Comets during the inaugural WNBA season, Coach Marshall is determined to elevate his team from underdogs to contenders.
Marshall’s coaching journey began in 1988 at Incarnate Word Academy, where he led the girls’ varsity basketball team. Since then, he has coached at multiple schools, including St. Thomas and Strake Jesuit, and held roles in both basketball and track and field. His extensive experience and commitment to the sport shapes his coaching philosophy: “Play hard and compete.”
“Compete, no matter where you come from,” says Marshall. “That mindset gives us the best opportunities.” Marshall believes in pushing his players to give their best effort while maintaining fairness and transparency, a lesson he learned from his own coaches back when he was a high school athlete.
To prepare for the season, the team has been working diligently with four-day-a-week preseason workouts. Marshall describes a balanced approach that includes two days on the court and two days focusing on conditioning. This preseason effort aims to build not just physical strength, but also foster a sense of camaraderie leading into the season.
One of Marshall’s primary goals is to challenge the team by playing tougher opponents. He acknowledges the importance of growth through competition, noting, “If you want to be taken seriously, we’re going to start playing the bigger boys.” He aims to shift perceptions of the school within the conference, making Emery/Weiner a formidable contender for years to come.
Known for his defensive-first approach, Marshall emphasizes the importance of solid defense as the foundation of the team’s game plan. “Offense may not always travel, but defense can,” he explains. Marshall plans to leverage strong defense to create scoring opportunities and keep opponents on their heels.
When asked about his coaching style, Marshall describes himself as “even keel” and focused on preparation. He sees game days as tests with practices as the real learning opportunities. His goal is to build confidence in his players, allowing them to perform without excessive sideline pressure.
With Coach Marshall at the helm, Emery/Weiner’s basketball program is poised for an exciting season and a promising future.
