Nancy Hatsushi

Bryce Alderton

The often-used phrase “leading by example,” could be an ideal

descriptor for Nancy Hatsushi, the sophomore point guard on the

Orange Coast College women’s basketball team that won its first state

championship last month.

Coach Mike Thornton’s floor leader was determined to make the best

of her last season at Coast.

“I didn’t want to regret anything,” said Hatsushi, the Daily Pilot

Athlete of the Month for March, who was named MVP of the state

tournament. “I tried to get the best out of my team, whether that

meant passing the ball or running the floor.”

Thornton gave Hatsushi the freedom to call Coast’s offensive sets

this season and she proved up to the challenge.

Being a point guard requires a certain degree of leadership and

Hatsushi has tried to live up to that billing when she is on the

floor.

“I did it in high school, so I adapted easily,” said Hatsushi

about calling the plays. She played four varsity seasons at Costa

Mesa High and holds the school’s career assists record (675).

“(Playing point guard) is something I thrive on. To see that my coach

has trust in me and belief in what he wants me to do, I don’t get

nervous.”

During the state tournament run, players, as well as Thornton,

continually noted the team’s determination to win as a driving force

to the championship. Hatsushi demonstrated similar desire even before

the season began.

A commitment to an increased off-season training regimen gave

Hatsushi more strength than she has ever had and prepared her for the

rigors the season brought.

She worked out nearly every day, lifting weights and practicing

her jump shot, anything to keep basketball in her routine.

“I was more disciplined this year,” Hatsushi said. “I didn’t slack

off. I was in better shape than ever.”

When she’s on the floor, Hatsushi said her main role is running

the offense, with scoring a second option.

“She’s the best point guard I’ve ever had in terms of being a

leader and getting it done on the court,” said Thornton, who

completed his 14th season at Coast. “When we take her out of the

game, we just aren’t the same team.”

But in the 69-61 championship-game victory against Contra Costa,

Hatsushi led Coast with 20 points, including hitting 5 of 6 from

behind the three-point line. She holds OCC’s single-season

three-point percentage record (.448) set last year.

“I hit my first three shots and he gave me the green light to

shoot,” Hatsushi said. “He told me to shoot more, so, when I was

open, I tried to take good shots.”

The rest of the time, Hatsushi tried to get the ball to one of her

open teammates.

Hatsushi led Coast with 4.9 assists per game and finished third in

scoring (10.3 points per game), while collecting 60 steals, second

most among Pirates. She also led Coast with 30.1 minutes per game.

Playing alongside five returners from last year’s squad, Hatsushi,

a first-team All-Orange Empire Conference selection for the second

straight year, said that familiarity bred confidence throughout this

season.

“Everyone is good, so I could rely on anyone,” Hatsushi said. “We

all kind of came together.”

Now, Hatsushi and teammates Lindsey Galasso, Lauren Miller, Leigh

Marshall, Candice Quiroz and Liz Mendoza must part. Hatsushi is

interested in continuing her playing and academic career at either

Adams State in Colorado, a Division II university, or Concordia

University in Irvine, an NAIA school. She wants to major in

kinesiology.

No matter where she plays, hard work is sure to follow.

“I want everyone to play their best,” Hatsushi said. “If I give

100%, hopefully they will follow my lead.”

Judging by this year’s results, Hatsushi’s lead was more

successful than ever.