This edition of Murfreesboro Makers is about a man who was influenced by his mom and grandmother, whose influence helped him to lead the Riverdale Lady Warriors basketball team.
I recently sat down with Coach Josh Bugg, who is originally from Nashville, and talked about everything that is important to him that he has tried to pass on, not only to his basketball team but to everybody he comes in contact with.
Mr. Murfreesboro: Where did you grow up?
Coach Josh Bugg: Nolensville, Tennessee
Where did you go to high school?
La Vergne.
Josh with dad Barry Campbell Bugg
Why did you go to so many different schools?
Because my parents split when I was young. I still have a strong relationship with my dad, who owns his own HVAC business. He is a hard worker.
Josh with mother Kathi Bugg
Who is your hero?
My mom is my hero. She did such a great job raising me. I love her very much.
Were you athletic?
I played baseball and basketball growing up.
Did you want to be a coach?
No.
When did you get inspired to be a coach?
When I was 18 or 19 I started coaching for a way to give back.
Where did you coach before Riverdale?
Columbia, Tullahoma, Hillsboro and Independence.
How long have you been coaching?
11 years
Why girls basketball?
To me, it’s been a natural gift because of what I mentioned earlier, being raised by my mom and grandmother.
You have inherited a prestigious program that has won seven state championships. Where is the Lady Warrior program right now compared to the past winning tradition?
We are rebuilding from the foundation up.
How do you build it back to that tradition of winning championships?
I think it starts with roots.
What do you mean by that?
Well, the “R” stands for relationships, meaning we know each other in a more meaningful way than basketball. We rely upon each other to do their job.
“O” stands for ownership, meaning we take ownership individually and as a team.
“O” stands for organized, meaning everything has its place.
“T” stands for trust, meaning we trust each other to play their role on the team.
“S” stands for skilled, meaning we must be skilled not only individually, but as a team for the future outside of not only basketball but life in general.
What is your passion?
Coaching and teaching the student-players.
What are your goals right now?
We are humble. We’d like to get back to that winning tradition, winning championships. It will take time. I believe we have a recipe for success, and we will surprise people.
What books have inspired you?
The Bible and I love Phil Jackson and his book Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success.
Who influenced you the most over the years?
Well, naturally, my mom, who was a single mom, and my grandmother, and today, my wife.
Who is your wife and how did you meet?
Her name is Dr. Kelly Bugg [pictured above] and we met teaching at a school in Williamson County.
Does the fact that Riverdale has won seven state championships put pressure on you?
No, because I already put pressure on myself. I prepare and I am vision-oriented.
What is your mission here at Riverdale?
Together, we commit to uphold the foundation of the program through multiple best efforts and daily connection both off and on the court.
I understand you have four “C’s”, things that you teach and coach your student-players. What are they?
Commitment, connection, communication, consistency.
Do you have one-sport athletes on the team like the past players have been?
No, we have players that play different sports as well.
Who are some players to watch for this year?
Madison Taylor, from Christiana; Norah Haney, who is a multi-sport athlete; Jackie Hardrick, who is a tough player; and Chloe Houard, a foreign exchange student from Belgium.
What would you do if you weren’t coaching?
I like to put things together and build, maybe a builder or working in the HVAC business like my father. I’d really like to be a public speaker.
What’s your favorite food?
Well, I have two. Nothing beats a good old-fashioned cheeseburger and I love sushi.
What’s your favorite movie?
Remember the Titans
What is your teaching and coaching philosophy?
Kids vote with their feet, meaning when they consistently show up, it’s because you’re doing something right. They want to learn from you when they like certain qualities you have. Kids vote with their feet. They are our future. We are in the beginning of something great. We have work to do.
What is one phrase you try to live by?
We have to continue to chop the wood and carry the water.
What’s the hardest thing about coaching?
Being powerless. We prepare for the game, but are powerless during the game. We give all the glory to God.
