Stay-at-home mom takes over Beamer girls hoops

Heather Sugg loves being around kids. That fact is evident when you look at Sugg’s “day job.” Sugg is officially a Federal Way stay-at-home mom to her four young children.

Heather Sugg loves being around kids. That fact is evident when you look at Sugg’s “day job.” Sugg is officially a Federal Way stay-at-home mom to her four young children.

Now, Sugg can add another 12 kids to her family and another job to her resume. Sugg is set to become just the second head coach of the girls basketball program at Todd Beamer High School.

Sugg, who has worked as the junior varsity coach at Beamer for the last two years, was officially named head coach on Thursday.

“I was a little shocked for them to pick me,” Sugg said. “But I am very excited.”

Sugg will take over for Federal Way High School grad Tiffany Rutter, who was the coach at Beamer since the school’s inception five years ago. Beamer finished 5-15 overall and 3-11 in the South Puget Sound League South Division this year. Sugg will return several players with varsity experience next season, including junior Missy Canfield (5.7 points a game) and sophomores Mercedes Sullivan (3.3 points) and Taylor Winton (2.9 a game).

“She did a great job as our JV coach and we are excited to have her,” said Beamer athletic director Jerry Peterson.

Sugg has coached at all levels during her career and starting coaching as s senior at Jenkins High School in Chewelah, Wash.

“I focus on player development, like to play good defense and to be a role model on and off the court for the girls,” Sugg said. “I like to play man-up defense and kind of a run-and-gun offense. I like more of a fast-paced game.”

Sugg’s junior varsity team at Beamer finished 10-4 in the SPSL South Division a season ago and a lot of the players Sugg coached last year should be contributors next season.

“We have a strong JV coming up,” she said. “And have some good returners. It will be exciting. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The hiring of Sugg completes a hectic week for Peterson and the two Beamer basketball programs. The Titans also named a new boys head coach last week, former Decatur assistant Brent Brilhante.

Sports editor Casey Olson: 925-5565, sports@fedwaymirror.com