In her March 11 sports column “Leadership lessons from women’s basketball,” Jess Lapachinski listed some of her favorite coaches active in women’s basketball today. All of them are deserving of accolades. But right here at Smith College we have a coach equally deserving.

Lynn Hersey has made the Pioneers basketball team an annual powerhouse. She has built a tradition of hard work (just ask the players), disciplined and intelligent play, and unflagging commitment to teamwork. Go to a game and you’ll also see a genuine spirit of camaraderie among the players and the joy that each takes in playing the game.

All of this is a culture a coach creates. This is why Coach Hersey is on my list of favorites.

Dan Gardner

Northampton