Category: Stories

Veteran Fairview High School coach Tom McCartney shared stories from his decades-long career in Colorado athletics, including a remarkable and little-known stint as an emergency head basketball coach in the 1990s. Stepping in midseason during a 20-game losing streak, McCartney leaned on guidance from his father, Hall of Fame coach Bill McCartney, to inspire an unlikely upset victory over Cherry Creek. The interview also traced McCartney’s journey from Michigan to Colorado, his playing and coaching roots, his long tenure as Fairview’s football coach, and his reflections on leadership, mentorship, and adapting to a new generation of athletes.

Loveland High School basketball standout Courlyn Yaussi joined Hoops Tracker after delivering a historic performance in which she scored 49 points and hit 11 three-pointers, ranking her among the top single-game performances in Colorado high school history

Yaussi credited the achievement to team energy, confidence, and unselfish play, noting that eight of the ten players who saw the floor also scored.
Yaussi discussed Loveland’s continued growth after a rebuilding season that followed the graduation of seven seniors. With a young roster gaining experience, the team has built strong chemistry through consistent offseason work and commitment in the gym. Her summer playing for Mountain West Premier’s U16 EYBL team helped elevate her game—particularly on the defensive end—and reinforced the importance of strength training in preparation for the college level

BROOMFIELD — Gracie Ward’s basketball journey has been defined not just by skill, but by an unwavering commitment to growth, toughness and leadership.

Now a senior guard at Holy Family High School, Ward has emerged as one of Colorado’s most reliable perimeter players while guiding a Holy Family program that refuses to be overlooked, even as the lone 4A team competing in the Granite League against 5A and 6A opponents.

Cooper Vais on Baseball, Basketball, and the Grind
Cooper Vais, a standout multi-sport athlete from Arvada West, joined the Hoopstracker Podcast to discuss his recent commitment to the University of Texas for baseball, his dual-sport journey, and the mindset that fuels his success. As Colorado’s top-ranked player in his class, Vais shared insights into his recruiting process, training regimen, and the unique dynamic of playing for his father in both basketball and baseball. Averaging 17 points per game on the court while throwing 93 mph on the mound, Vais exemplifies elite athleticism and discipline. He also highlighted Arvada West’s undefeated basketball season and the team’s chemistry built from years of shared youth sports.

Arapahoe High School point guard Ava Butler joins the Hoops Tracker podcast to discuss her basketball journey, recovery from injury, club circuit experience, and expectations for the upcoming season. She highlights the strong culture at Arapahoe, the leadership she learned from former teammates, and the impact of playing for both Coach Jerry and the Hardwood Elite program.

Coach Vic Schaefer describes the toughest challenge of his coaching career: nearly losing his son, Logan, after a severe wakeboarding accident that left him unconscious, seizing, and in critical condition. For 39 days, Schaefer never left his son’s side as Logan fought through life support, brain injury, and the inability to walk, talk, or feed himself. Through faith, relentless rehabilitation, and what Schaefer calls a series of miracles—including an unidentified man who appeared to help Logan take his first steps—Logan made a full recovery, walking out of rehab 28 days later. The experience reshaped Schaefer’s perspective on life, coaching, adversity, and gratitude. He now shares the story with his players as a reminder that character is defined not by what happens to you, but by how you respond.

In this episode of Hoops Tracker, hosted by Jerry Howard, listeners are introduced to basketball prodigy McKenna **Woliczko**. The conversation delves into Velichko’s journey from playing softball to a fully committed career in basketball, her experiences with USA Basketball, and her recent commitment to the University of Iowa. Jerry and McKenna discuss what it’s like to be a part of the esteemed basketball program at Archbishop Mitty under Coach Sue Phillips, and how McKenna navigated her own path through high school, club basketball, and the recruiting process.

Coach Lou Vullo joined HoopsTracker to discuss his coaching journey, Golden’s 2025 squad, and what looks to be another brutal year in the Jeffco League. Beginning his career in parochial leagues and long-time football coaching at Thomas Jefferson, Vullo transitioned fully into basketball after being influenced by mentors like Dan Turnbull and Grant Lehman. His head-coaching stops include Sheridan—where he helped end a 0–70 stretch and take the program to multiple state tournaments—and Pinnacle, where he led nine straight state appearances. Now entering his eighth year at Golden, Vullo has established the Demons as consistent contenders.

In this episode of Hoops Tracker, host Jerry Howard welcomes Madison Bethel, an emerging basketball talent from Northfield High School. The discussion dives deep into Madison’s basketball journey, her experiences with True Colorado’s new girls program, and her role on her high school team. As Madison outlines the transition from playing at the club level to high school, she shares insights into building team dynamics, developing her leadership skills, and preparing for the upcoming season.