Prairieville High girls basketball coach says new assignment is his ‘dream job’

Key Takeaways:

• Coach Delrie views his role at Prairieville High as his dream job.
• The girls basketball team has achieved a 10-4 record in their first varsity season.
• Standout players, including Marly Gatlin and Cailyn Sheets, significantly contribute to the team’s performance.
• Building the program involved overcoming challenges related to student enrollment and starting from scratch.
• Community and collaborative efforts have been vital to the program’s positive experience.

Pursuing a Dream

When Prairieville High School opened its doors, it wasn’t just a new chapter for the students—it was the beginning of a dream realized for head girls basketball coach, Chase Delrie . With 15 years of head coaching experience, most recently at Dutchtown High School, Delrie saw an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“After years on the school level and 18 total years, the attraction to start this program from the ground up was simple,” Delrie shared. “The PVHS community and being able to work with principal Randy Loving, who hired me at Dutchtown. I saw this as an incredible opportunity and where I was in my career, it was too good to pass up.”

Building a Program

Starting a varsity basketball program from scratch is no small feat. For Delrie, the first step was assembling a dedicated staff aligned with his vision. “The first order of business was to build a staff to help with my vision,” he explained. “My staff is invested and dedicated as well as passionate about the players and the program.”

The next focus was the players. With only incoming freshmen required to attend the new school, there were uncertainties about the roster. “Students in grades 10 through 12 were not forced to come to the new high school; they had a choice,” Delrie noted. “There were so many unknowns on what the roster would look like, and could we compete?”

Early Success

Defying the odds, the Prairieville Hurricanes have posted a commendable 10-4 overall record in their first year of varsity action. Central to this success are standout players who have embraced their roles wholeheartedly.

“Our point guard is Marly Gatlin . She leads us with a 22-point average, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game,” Delrie highlighted. “Marly has done an amazing job on the floor this season. She has put up great numbers and involved her teammates. She truly is our leader on the floor and in the locker room.”

Adding to the team’s offensive strength is sophomore Cailyn Sheets , an off-guard averaging 12 points per game. “She is on pace to make 100 threes this season,” Delrie stated. “She can shoot the ball on a consistent basis every night we play.”

Overcoming Challenges

Building relationships and fostering team cohesion were critical, especially given the team’s youth and inexperience. “We started this process in June; it has taken a village,” said Delrie. “The administration, coaches, players, booster club, parents, community, and our student body have made this a positive experience.”

The coach emphasizes daily improvement. “The next step was to build a relationship with the players to get 1% better every day,” he explained. “I tell the girls that we have to control the things we can control, and that will put us in the best position for success.”

Team Dynamics and Culture

Resilience has become a hallmark of the Hurricanes. “We are very young and inexperienced, but they are so resilient—no excuses made,” Delrie reflected. “This has been a blessing to work with this staff and the girls.”

The close-knit nature of the team extends beyond the court. “These young ladies have been great, a pleasure to coach,” he said. “They buy into everything we throw at them; they are a close group on and off the court.”

Looking Forward

For Delrie, the experience is about more than just basketball. It’s about community, family, and laying a foundation for future success. “My wife is from the area, and we live a few miles from school. The campus and facilities are top-notch,” he shared. “This was a no-brainer to come and build a winner here; this is my dream job.”

As the Hurricanes continue their season, the combination of dedicated coaching, talented players, and community support positions them for a promising future. Delrie’s vision is clear: to build not just a team, but a lasting legacy at Prairieville High.