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University High School has named Lisa Pryor head coach of the girls basketball program, beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Pryor replaces Justin Blanding, who was named head coach of the boys basketball program last month.
Coach Pryor is no stranger to the Trailblazers. She served as an assistant under Coach Blanding for two years, during the 2018 and 2019 girls basketball seasons when the Trailblazers advanced to regionals and semi-state, respectively. She is eager to return to coaching at University High School. She currently works for Indy Equity Collaborative, though she also taught and coached for 18 years at The Orchard School. In addition to University, Coach Pryor has also coached girls basketball at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School and Pike High School. And she played Division I basketball at Butler University.
In the message he sent to girls basketball families, Coach Blanding described what he has worked to instill in his players in the nine years he served as head coach: “To get what you want, you have to work for it, and nobody is going to give you anything. That has been the standard of our program, and I am positive it will remain that way with our next coach.”
Coach Pryor says she is eager to build on this foundation. “I am excited to be that next coach, and my first priority is to continue expanding upon the amazing foundation that has been laid for this program,” she said. “I know how much love and dedication built this program, and I am determined to stay the course.”
As the team begins planning and looking toward the 2023-24 season, Coach Pryor’s focus will be on building relationships with her athletes and families, working hard as a team, and sharing her love for and knowledge of basketball.
“I believe that developing strong relationships is a key to a successful program,” she said. “I look forward to meeting and learning more about our current players and their families and how we can be of service to one another in order to create a championship-level culture and mindset.”
“My philosophy is centered around being of service, respect, relationships, and putting in the work to achieve your goals,” she added. “I know this is a great combination to serve as an extension of University’s mission. My goal will be to expand the hearts and minds of student-athletes through basketball.”