A quality coach can be defined as: a passionate, dedicated individual who unlocks hidden potential and maximizes a team’s performance by believing, encouraging and developing. Coach Rick Sloan’s 29 years coaching at Central Valley High School could not be described more accurately.
Rick’s passion for sports started at a very young age, only intensifying throughout high school and college. In high school, he was a 3-sport athlete, excelling in football and basketball. Following his graduation in 1981 from CVHS, he continued his athletic career as a quarterback in college. His senior season at the
University of Idaho, he lead the Vandals to the Big Sky Championship and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
After working in the business world for a few years, it became evident to Rick that he desired to help shape the next generation of youth both in the classroom and through sports. In 1989, he made the decision to go back to school and pursue a degree in education; during this time, he was offered an assistant coaching position at Central Valley High School in both football and basketball. Coach Sloan became the varsity head basketball coach in 1996. For most of his career, he remained connected to the football program in the role of offensive coordinator and quarterback coach – including winning the football State Championship in 1997.
During his 23-year tenure as varsity head basketball coach, Sloan went 331-197 in the highly competitive Greater Spokane League. His teams achieved 5 league championships, made 7 state tournament appearances, and won 5 state trophies. Coach Sloan’s teams were known not only for their outstanding basketball skill, but their grit, toughness, and passion for the game – attributes shared by their coach. Achieving this many wins in the GSL could not have been possible without tireless assistant coaches. Rick would like to thank his long-time assistants and support personnel for all of their time and commitment to the Central Valley basketball program.
Coach Sloan’s 331 wins were attainable because of the love and support from his family. His wife of 35 years, Nanci, embraced the journey from the beginning by attending every game – eventually building it into the family routine and bringing the kids to cheer on the team from the bleachers.
Coach Sloan always believed that having a good coach’s wife is the key to a long career, and states
“I was blessed to have a great one.”
Rick has two children, Mackenzie and Tanner, who both attended Central Valley High School. Mackenzie graduated in 2012 and didn’t miss many of dad’s games, as she was on the cheerleading squad. One of Coach Sloan’s fondest memories was being able to watch her cheer for his team all the way to the state championship game during her senior year. Tanner, a 2016 graduate, was both a shooting guard in basketball and the quarterback in football – where he received his father’s tutelage. Rick felt it was a true blessing to be able to coach his son and make a run in the state tournament together.
Last, and certainly not least, he would like to thank his players. He feels honored to have coached such dedicated athletes over the years. Coach Sloan was not easy to play for, as he was unwilling to accept mediocrity. His players understood this and responded accordingly; for that, he will forever be grateful. Sloan was highly competitive, but more importantly, he strived to use basketball as a vehicle to teach his players life lessons. Instilling the values of work ethic, team play, goal setting, leadership skills, and accountability were the foundation of his coaching philosophy. He has cherished the relationships built with his players and continues to enjoy staying in touch with many of them and hearing about their life successes.
Now that he is retired, Coach hopes to do a little more fishing, continue his passion for construction projects, enjoy some world traveling, and of course catch a few games!
