WEST MIFFLIN — A former four-year varsity starter will help lead the West Mifflin Middle School girls basketball program.

Monica Poupakis, who also serves as the school’s Dean of Students, will coach the 8th grade girls basketball team this season.

“I want to lead the middle school team and give back to this sport for everything it has given me,” Poupakis said. “I want to inspire these young athletes to achieve their individual and team goals. My love for basketball is forever constant, and I can’t wait for this opportunity.”

Poupakis is no stranger to success as a Titan. During her playing career at West Mifflin, she and her teammates reached the WPIAL championship game in both 2008 and 2009, and also won a regional championship.

She also played at Penn State Greater Allegheny, and made it to the Final Four during her playing career.

After her playing career ended, Poupakis jumped headfirst into coaching. Previously, she’s served as a junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant at West Mifflin and also a JV/varsity assistant and middle school head coach for four years at McKeesport.

She says her love of the game stems from childhood.

“My interest and love for basketball started when I was a little kid just playing outside with the neighborhood kids every day,” she said. “I also always watched girls basketball on TV with my dad.”

Now, she wants to help the newest group of Titans reach their aspirations both on and off the court.

“I will help the girls achieve their individual goals, basketball skills, and team goals,” she said. “We will focus on playing and achieving as a team. I’ll teach them skills they need to play at the varsity level.”

She added that with her prior experience as a varsity assistant and JV head coach, she has the added benefit of knowing exactly what skills to focus on.

“I have the background of coach varsity to help better guide these girls to reach their full potential,” she said. “(We will emphasize) hard work, teamwork, discipline, grades first, listening to the coach, and supporting your teammates. I would love for the girls to feel as though they are a part of the team, and for the team to feel like family not only on the court, but also off the court.”