Farewell, Coach Bunbury: A Legacy of Growth, Character, and Teamwork
Contributor, Khairat Tchakala

As we close out the winter season we want to recognize a basketball coach that has been in our program for many years! After years of dedication, leadership, and mentorship, Coach Bunbury is moving on, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond wins and losses. His impact on student-athletes has been rooted in a philosophy that goes beyond the game—one that has shaped young athletes not just as competitors, but as individuals.

Coaching Beyond the Game

Reflecting on his time at Avenues, Coach Bunbury shares the core philosophy that has guided him: the development of the whole person.

"I focus not just on improving athletic performance but also on nurturing character, teamwork, and resilience," he explains. "At Avenues, I aimed to foster an environment where student-athletes grow both on and off the court."

This approach has been evident in every practice, every game, and every huddle. Under his leadership, athletes have learned that their success isn’t just measured by the scoreboard but by their dedication, effort, and ability to uplift those around them.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those stepping onto the field or court this season, Coach Bunbury leaves behind some parting wisdom:

"Focus on the process rather than just the outcome. While winning is important, true success comes from consistent hard work, effective communication, and supporting one another. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, stay adaptable, and always be willing to put the team’s goals above personal glory."

This mindset has helped shape Avenues' teams into not just competitors but collaborators—athletes who push each other to be better, both on and off the playing field.

The Influence of Avenues’ Core Values

Avenues’ guiding principles—collaboration, global citizenship, and intellectual curiosity—have been a key part of Coach Bunbury’s approach to coaching.

"I emphasize teamwork and inclusivity, ensuring every athlete has a voice and feels empowered. I also encourage them to view sports as a platform for learning valuable life skills and promoting a sense of community both on the field and in the wider world," he shares.

This philosophy has helped shape student-athletes into leaders, teaching them the value of communication, adaptability, and respect for their teammates and opponents alike.

A Lasting Lesson: The Power of Perseverance

As Coach Bunbury bids farewell to Avenues, he hopes that his athletes carry with them one key lesson:

"Perseverance and a growth mindset are essential. Success doesn’t always come immediately, and setbacks are part of the journey. I want my athletes to leave knowing that if they give their best effort, stay dedicated, and keep learning, they can overcome any challenge—not just in sports, but in life."

Though his time at Avenues is coming to an end, his lessons will endure in the athletes he has coached, the teams he has built, and the culture of excellence and integrity he has helped cultivate.

From all of us at Avenues Athletics—thank you, Coach Bunbury. Your impact will be felt for years to come.

Contributor, Wavey Cole, Student Body Liasion

We’re excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Coach Adrianne Bunbury following the Boys MS Basketball Greys electrifying matchup against Heschel. The game went into overtime and was an incredible matchup! This game wasn’t just another contest; it was a showcase of resilience, teamwork, and the power of believing in one another.

In this interview, Coach Bunbury shares his reflections on the team’s performance, from the intense final moments to the standout plays that shifted momentum. He also offers insights into the team’s growth this season, the challenges they faced, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.  Click here for a video on the last couple minutes of the game!

This is a glimpse into what happens on and off the court—how the game builds not just skills, but character, focus, and trust.

So, let’s dive in and hear from Coach Bunbury as he highlights the incredible effort of our athletes and the memorable moments that made this game one to remember. 

1. How would you describe the team's overall performance in the game against Heschel?

If I had to sum up the team's performance in one word, it would be resilience. After a tough loss earlier in the season, we were challenged and fell short. But this time, facing another tough matchup, the boys rose to the occasion.

2. What do you think were the key factors that made this such a close and competitive match?

The key factor was that Heschel has one of the best 8th graders in the league. I didn’t shy away from this; instead, I reminded the boys that we have the best team. I reassured them that in a team sport, if we stick together, play hard, and focus on what we can control, I could live with the results as their leader.

3. Were there any standout moments or plays that really defined the game?

A standout moment came when we were down by 4 points with less than 50 seconds left. I called a timeout to settle the boys and calm their nerves. We had been battling hard, but the other team kept answering back with points. After the timeout, I got them excited and switched to a new scheme they hadn’t seen before. This led to two steals, one of which resulted in a basket for us. After the second steal, I called another timeout and drew up a play that allowed us to score. That momentum shift was huge.

4. What impressed you the most about the team’s effort and execution?I was most impressed by the boys’ willingness to adopt new strategies, even ones we hadn’t fully practiced. They picked up on the details and made the adjustments necessary to close out the game successfully. Their adaptability played a huge role in our win.

5. How did the players respond to the pressure of such a tight game, and what does that say about their growth this season?

The players initially struggled under pressure, but once they saw I wasn’t upset with them, they regained confidence. It allowed them to play at 110% and showed their growth. We overcame the adversity that had previously hindered us earlier in the season, demonstrating how far we’ve come as a team.

6. What were some of the biggest challenges the team faced during the game, and how did they overcome them?

A major challenge was the players’ tendency to focus on the referees’ calls. I had to remind them to stay focused on what we could control. When they started turning to me for confidence, I believe it gave them the mental strength to push through. This belief in each other and in me helped us stay on track.

7. Looking ahead, what lessons can the team take from this game to improve in future matchups?

The biggest lesson is make every play count. In the third quarter, we quickly built a 10-point lead, but after their timeout, we became complacent and allowed them to take the lead. In the fourth quarter, I made personnel adjustments to give some players a breather, which helped us refocus on our defense and get back on track.

8. Is there anything specific you’d like to highlight about individual performances or teamwork that stood out to you?

I want to highlight the energy from our bench and the home crowd. The support from both gave the boys a huge boost and helped us push through the tough moments of the game. 

9. What message did you share with the team after the game, and how do you feel they took it?

After the game, I told the boys how proud I was of their effort. They believed in the game plan, executed it well, and earned a well-deserved win. I think they understood how important it was to trust the process, and they were genuinely proud of their growth and the way they fought until the very end.