For some time, Fresno City women’s basketball Head Coach Brian Tessler had been the winningest coach in FCC history with a record of 200 – 35 and 73-1 in the Central Valley Conference. In 2011 he won the most games at FCC, passing Chuck Stark who had won 132 games in the early 1980s.
Tessler credits his success to having players from the San Joaquin Valley play for him in his 17 years of coaching.
“At this level is so important to develop a group a kids in a situation where they can be successful, watch them move on,” said Tessler
Tessler stated that he is surprised that people bring up his statistics. He attributes his success to coaching local players.
“I’ve always felt like I could have success with local players. Winning with players from the San Joaquin Valley has been big for our program. That’s one thing we pride ourselves on here,” said Tessler.
All the players from this year’s team are from the valley. Elbria Wooley, Kaylor Kovacevich and Breona Minor all came from Bullard. Keyora Wharry came from Edison. Leslie Ahlenslager, Chay Coffman, Nina Gregory, Ali Orlich and Kristy Savanpanyadeth all attended a school in Clovis. Dominique Pilkinton, Jenae Alcantar and Diana Corona from Monache (Porterville) and Breanna Torres from Madera.
“I know these kids, they know me, they know what to expect when they came to play here at FCC.” said Tessler
Tessler took these athletes from the community and gave them a basketball product they could be proud of night in and night out, and is on the verge of another final four and maybe a state title.
“I’ll look at my accomplishments when its all said and done, but for me its about the players I’ve coached in my 17 years ,and the relationships I’ve built throughout time.” said Tessler
Tessler’s conference winning streak was snapped earlier in the season when FCC lost to Merced College. It shows how dominant he has been in 17 seasons in the Central Valley Conference with 10 seasons at Reedley College and 7 at FCC. He has won 7 straight CVC league titles. He’s also won more than 30 games: 3 out of his 7 years here and more than 20 games each year he has been at FCC.
The Rams continued their dominance this season with a 26 – 3 record, going 11-1 in the Central Valley Conference.
“Our ability to overcome adversity early on in the season, losing to Merced, then getting to the hardest part of the schedule,” said Tessler. “Playing about a 10 game stretch against top ranked teams. Thats the make-up of this years team.
Tessler got his 200th win at FCC on March 1, 2014. A date he will always remember, not because he passed the milestone, but because he did it his way with players from an area that is greatly underrated. He turned players that might have been overlooked into champions on and off the court.
Tessler looks to make this his fourth final four appearance in six years with the Rams, a feat that has never been done.
