By Irene Ruiz
Lewis and Clark Community College has a new leader at the helm of its women’s basketball program. Isaac Moore is an experienced basketball coach and a former public educator. He has a philosophy based on passion, toughness, and a commitment to excellence. With a clear vision for the future of the program, Moore is poised to usher in what he describes as “The most important team in LC WBB history.”
“I have loved basketball my entire life and developed a passion for teaching when I was in college. After spending years of my life as a public educator and basketball coach, this opportunity seemed perfect for me,” Moore said.
Moore’s coaching philosophy revolves around three key principles: toughness, energy and “next level” thinking. He emphasizes the importance of mental and physical toughness on and off the court. He believes it is a trait that will serve his players well for the rest of their lives. “In basketball, the toughest team is going to win time and time again,” Moore said. Their energy is equally important, and they bring a contagious enthusiasm to every practice and game. “Surrounding yourself with energetic people is one of the most enjoyable experiences of coaching. I believe basketball and life are best lived with joy, constant energy, and passion,” he explained.
Moore has high expectations for his players, always demanding maximum effort from them. His approach is based on accountability and dedication to self-improvement. His goal for his players is for them to grow both on and off the court, preparing them for opportunities beyond the program.
“As a team, I accept nothing less than maximum effort at all times. If we play for each other and do it with mental toughness, we will get better every day,” Moore said.
In terms of his vision for the team, Moore has outlined six specific goals that he believes will make this season a success. These goals emphasize academic achievement, community involvement, development, and toughness.
“We pride ourselves first and foremost on the classroom and setting ourselves up for academic success,” Moore says, emphasizing that the team’s top priority is to achieve the best GPA on campus. Beyond academics, Moore is committed to giving back to the community, making his team an integral part of the Godfrey, Alton, and Greater St. Louis region. But it is the toughness on the court that Moore continues to stress, “We want to prepare and be ready to take on any challenge and give our best effort.”
Moore’s enthusiasm for his new role is palpable, and he credits the coaching staff around him for much of the early success they have seen in preseason. “Our coaches have met with me to explain what they bring to the team and have given me countless ideas that I can’t wait to implement,” he said. With a staff that includes Coach Richardson, Denby, Moore, Richter and Rodgers, Moore believes the program is poised for success.
At the core of their philosophy is a deep belief in accountability and growth. “We only care about players who want to grow on and off the court and conduct themselves with excellence. Only with people who value development and hard work will they enjoy what we are building at LC WBB,” Moore insisted.
With Moore at the helm, LC Women’s Basketball is entering a new era. His passion, dedication, and focus on toughness and energy have already made an impact. Fans of the program can expect remarkable things in the coming seasons. As Moore himself said, “It puts a lot of pressure on me to invest everything when I have such an invested group that is ready to make some noise in the best JUCO region in the country!”
