Cory Crognale, a celebrated former head coach at Shanksville-Stonycreek, has been appointed as the new leader of the North Star girls basketball team. With an impressive track record and a passion for cultivating young talent, Crognale aims to restore the program’s competitive edge and foster a culture of excellence.

Transforming Talent into Triumph

For years, the North Star girls basketball program struggled to maintain momentum, culminating in a prolonged drought of winning seasons. This decline prompted John Oleskey's decision to step down, creating an opportunity for Crognale to implement his vision. Known for his dynamic coaching style and commitment to nurturing athletes' potential, Crognale is poised to reinvigorate the program with strategies honed during his tenure at Shanksville-Stonycreek.

A Legacy of Success

Cory Crognale's credentials speak volumes about his ability to lead teams toward greatness. As a two-time Somerset all-county Coach of the Year, he propelled the Vikings to the PIAA 1A semifinals in 2018-19 and secured their first District 5-1A title since 1978 in 2019-20. His four-year stint there yielded an enviable 84-24 win-loss ratio, underscoring his prowess in building formidable programs. By bringing this expertise to North Star, Crognale hopes to replicate such achievements while instilling a renewed sense of pride among players and supporters alike.In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Crognale brings extensive experience from various coaching roles across multiple sports. Whether mentoring football teams at Shade or assisting with baseball at Shanksville, one constant remains—his boundless energy and dedication to fostering success through discipline and teamwork. These qualities promise to be instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of the North Star girls basketball squad.

Building Blocks for Renewal

To achieve long-term success, Crognale emphasizes the importance of constructing a robust support system within the program. He has assembled a stellar coaching staff comprising Olivia Zuchelli, Courtney Schrock, and Kayla Rice—former standout players who contributed significantly to North Star's state runner-up performance in 2016. Their firsthand knowledge of the school's traditions and aspirations aligns perfectly with Crognale's mission to cultivate a cohesive unit committed to growth.Moreover, these assistants bring invaluable insights regarding player development and game strategy. Together, they aim to enhance individual skills while promoting unity among teammates. Through rigorous summer training sessions and disciplined practice routines, Crognale believes that hard work and perseverance will pave the way for meaningful progress. "We want to create a winning culture," he asserts, emphasizing the necessity of earning every opportunity through relentless effort.

Fostering Passion and Perseverance

Central to Crognale's philosophy is instilling a profound love for the game in his athletes. Drawing inspiration from mentors like Wade Fyock and Robert Snyder, he champions teaching basketball "the right way"—a methodology rooted in hard work, enthusiasm, and unwavering discipline. By focusing on fundamentals such as defense and strategic playmaking, Crognale seeks not only to elevate athletic performance but also to impart valuable life lessons.His approach extends beyond technical proficiency; it encompasses developing mental toughness and resilience. Competing fiercely against formidable opponents requires both physical stamina and psychological fortitude. Crognale encourages players to embrace challenges enthusiastically, reminding them that adversity often serves as the crucible for greatness. Furthermore, he underscores the significance of learning from experienced coaches and continuously refining one's craft.As the North Star girls basketball program embarks on this transformative journey under Crognale's guidance, anticipation grows for what lies ahead. Fans eagerly await witnessing how his innovative strategies and motivational techniques translate into tangible results on the court. With determination etched into every practice session and game plan, the stage is set for a remarkable resurgence.