Faith Christian Eagles Girls Basketball

2011 - 2012

Coaches Corner

Rick Long - Head Varsity Coach and Program Director

My name is Rick Long and I have the great privilege of being the Head Women’s Basketball coach at Faith Christian High School. I played four years of High School basketball and played college ball and CBC. I’ve coached at all levels of basketball for the past 25 years and this is my 13^th year at Faith where I’ve coached in the Men’s program as assistant to Andrew Hasz. I’ve been blessed to be able to go to the State Tournament for eight years in a row while appearing in four state championship games and winning three of those with the Men’s team.

The Lord has called me to take these experiences and use them to work with some of the finest young women in the state. My desire is to develop a program that builds women of godly character while teaching them to play the game of basketball at the highest level they are capable. Along with my assistant Julie Rietema, program assistant Bob Hicks, and c-team coach John Coder, I anticipate a great season and a bright future for the women’s program at Faith.

My wife of 25 years is as committed to this program as I am. All four of our children are basketball players. Jordan 23 and Brittany 21, have graduated from Faith and have been blessed to play college ball. Brooklyn is our 16 year old who will play for me this year and my youngest son Jared is 10 and plays on occasion too.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to pour all the love and support into your daughters. My hope is that they are transformed into the young woman God desires them to become.

Bob Hicks - Varsity Assistant Coach

Bob Hicks was the head coach at Pomona HS for the girls basketball team (1979-2000) and the boys basketball team (2003-2006).  As the girls coach, Pomona’s teams won four Jeffco league titles and compiled a win-loss record of 343-147.  Pomona took part in eleven state tournaments, eight final fours, and competed in the state championship game four times.  Coach Hicks was blessed to coach several all-conference and all-state players who went on to play in college.  As the boys head coach, he had the pleasure of coaching his oldest son Todd during his sophomore, junior, and senior year before he went on to play in college. His youngest son, Shay played at Ralston Valley for four years and now attends CU. His wife Rocque (31 years) is and has been very supportive his entire career.  Coach Hicks is delighted to be assisting the girls’ program and looks forward to a great season.

Julie Rietema - Head JV Team Coach

My name is Julie Rietema and I have the wonderful opportunity to return for my third season in the Women’s program here at Faith Christian. I have coached 7 years at the High School level, as well as many other years at the middle school and grade school levels. I played ball all four years in High School; and our team was blessed to make it to the state tournament my junior and senior year - where I received All-State honors. I then went on to play at Central College in Iowa, before I broke my foot and could no longer play. After that, I decided to move into coaching because I love being around the game.

I am so excited for this season and being able to coach all these wonderful young women. I am passionate about pouring into these ladies - not only just basketball skills, but life skills. My desire is to see each of them become the young women that God has created them to be.  My prayer is that they will know who they are in Christ and live their lives sharing that love, truth, and passion for Christ with everyone around them.

Brittney Long - Head C Team Coach

Brittany Long is our FCA girls basketball C team coach. Brittany attended Faith Christian from preschool through high school and in her words “doesn’t believe there is a better school in the whole United States". Brittany also noted, “I have an incredible family with the most amazing parents and siblings. I would not trade them for the world. My dad is the pastor of Grace Church of Arvada and my mother and father have done an amazing job of not only teaching us about Christ, but being great examples of Him.” Brittany played basketball at FCA throughout her high school years and then was recruited to play at Regis University where she spent her freshman year of college. The next year, she decided to continue playing, but to transfer to Colorado Christian College where she played her sophmore year. Unfortunately, due to an injury she was unable to play the following year and then elected not to play again this, her senior year.  Brittany will graduate this year from CCU with a bachelors in psychology and would like to go on to complete her masters. She has a passion to help people, understands the difficulties of being a young woman and would love to help other girls or possibly go into family counseling. Brittany says, “I was blessed to be a part of the Women's basketball program here at Faith and I am excited to see what God continues to do with Faith Christian.”

Leah Deal - JV/C Team Assistant Coach