Bishop McHugh alumni build bonds with student basketball players

The basketball uniforms have been handed in, and the trophies have been handed out at Catholic elementary and high schools across the Diocese.

However, for the players at Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School, Cape May Court House, there is something special to look back on this season – a legacy of encouragement and mentorship.

“I wanted the girls to enjoy the game of basketball the same way my fellow coaches and I did when we were their age,” said Delaney Larkin, a 2015 alumna. “I hope they learned how to depend on each other on and off the court, and the importance of teamwork and dedication.”

Larkin is one of five Bishop McHugh alumni who has volunteered to coach boys and girls basketball at the school in the past few seasons. Others are her sister, Catherine “Clancy” Larkin, as well as Nick Eidenberg, Liza Pellini and Alanna Warf.

Eidenberg, who graduated in 2015, returned to the school in 2021 to coach boys in third through eighth grades. “My father, Mark, coached my older brother and me at Bishop McHugh. I have a lot of my best memories of my dad through playing basketball at Bishop McHugh.”

His father died in 2016, when Eidenberg was only 16, and he says he feels blessed to return to the school and coach with his godfather, Jeff Conney. Eidenberg also wanted to make sure “to teach the boys hard work and responsibility while sharing the game of basketball [and instill] in the boys the values of giving back that Bishop McHugh gave me.”

Eidenberg isn’t just inspiring the students, however. He also influenced Delany Larkin, who helps Warf coach the girls’ varsity team, to return to their alma mater. Eidenberg mentioned to Larkin that the school needed a coach for the girls team.

“I immediately knew my answer was yes,” she said. “I saw it as an opportunity to help the next generation develop their skills, teamwork, confidence – just as my coaches once inspired me.”

Warf, also from the Class of 2015, shares a similar feeling of a deep connection to the school and the game of basketball. “It’s where I formed lifelong friendships with my best friends – the other coaches – and I’ve always valued being part of a close-knit community.”

The coaches agree that they have been able to connect with their players ways that build a strong team culture beyond wins and losses.

“I absolutely think that being an alumna helps me relate to my team better because I understand everything they are going through,” Larkin said. “I have played in the same gym, against the same teams and in the same tournaments.”

Warf agreed, saying, “I have experienced the same traditions and values that Bishop McHugh continues to uphold. This shared experience allows me to connect with the girls, guide them through these events, and help them appreciate the strong sense of community that makes our school special.”

“I also want them to have us as people to look up to,” Warf continued. “I hope we can help guide them through the challenges they face in middle school and offer advice as they transition into high school.”

The coaches’ strong commitment to their teams and players has indeed resonated beyond the basketball court, school staff say.

“The alumni’s dedication to fostering sportsmanship and leadership is making a remarkable difference in our students’ lives,” said Megan Tinney, advancement director. “Under their guidance, our teams are not only excelling athletically but also growing in confidence and teamwork.”

With that good news, the coaches can’t help but look toward next season and beyond.

“The plan right now is to continue coaching throughout my first group time at Bishop McHugh,” Eidenberg said. “So when my sixth-graders graduate from eighth grade, we will see what happens from there.”

Added Delaney Larkin, “I do believe I will continue to coach for as long as I can. Our seventh-graders will be the leaders next year, and we can hopefully lead them to a championship.”