Spears returns to stabilize program she built
Legendary coach Arnelia Spears had a long list of demands in September.
New jerseys. New practice jerseys. A new medical kit.
The list went on and on as Millwood athletic director Shannon Hayes nodded in agreement. A coach coming out of retirement for one year, and one year only, can have whatever she wants.
“She has been holding it over my head,” Hayes said while laughing. “I cannot say no to anything Spears needs.”
As girls basketball season picks up steam across the state, there may not be a more interesting story than Millwood.
The Falcons are again being coached by the icon who built the program and earned her name on the gymnasium. Spears is the interim coach for this season as the school searches for a full-time coach to replace Londaryl Perry.
Spears spent four decades coaching Millwood until her retirement following the 2014 season. The Falcons lost in the state semifinals that year, but they gave her three gold ball trophies and more than 760 victories.
But they have made the state tournament just once since Spears’ retirement. She’s back looking to stabilize her program.
“I’ve got to make these girls believe they are good,” Spears said. “We’re getting there.”
In September, Hayes was searching for Perry’s replacement, but with school underway options were extremely limited.
Hayes had been Spears’ assistant for a decade, but he had no intention of coaching. So, he approached Spears.
Negotiations began as Hayes painted the football field the season opener against Heritage Hall. Spears admitted she felt she had one more run in her, but her family would not be pleased. But this was all about coaching and helping the school she loves. Spears asked the players if anybody had a problem with her return. None spoke up.
“All I needed was one to say no and I could go home,” Spears said. “I was looking for them to give me an excuse. I didn’t want to do anything that I thought would just get them deeper in their mental thing.”
Spears has worked to rebuild the players’ confidence. She coached some in middle school or elementary before her retirement, and even coached some of their parents. Like the old days, she expects her players to be strong and to win. The Falcons have since found their way. They enter Friday’s game against Douglass at 6-2 and No. 10 in Class 3A.
“I never knew how to play under her, but I’m starting to get the concept of it,” senior Sabrian Murray said. “Hard work all of the time, never lacking, always keeping your head straight and just keep going no matter