The Exeter-Milligan-Friend community continues to remember and honor the life of former EMF girls basketball coach Sara Pella, whose impact on students, athletes, and the community remains deeply felt following her passing in June 2025 after a courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
Photo Courtesy of Hadley Sladek.
Coach Pella was more than a basketball coach. She was a teacher, mentor, leader, and a constant source of encouragement for those around her. Known for her positivity, compassion, and unwavering belief in her players, she was often described as a beacon of light - someone who brought out the best in others both on and off the court.
This season, the EMF girls basketball team is honoring Coach Pella’s memory in a meaningful and symbolic way. At every game, the team brings two pairs of shoes - representing the presence and spirit of their former coach. The shoes serve as a quiet reminder that while Coach Pella may no longer be physically present, her influence continues to walk alongside the team.
Many would agree that Coach Pella taught more than basketball, she taught how to be kind, resilient, and supportive.
Coach Pella’s leadership extended far beyond the gym. She was deeply invested in her students’ lives, always willing to listen, encourage, and celebrate their successes. Her dedication to EMF and its students helped shape a positive culture that will endure for years to come.
As the season unfolds, each game is not only a competition but also a tribute. With every step taken on the court, the EMF girls basketball team carries forward Coach Pella’s legacy, one built on heart, integrity, and love for the game and community.
Though she is greatly missed, Sara Pella’s spirit lives on in the lessons she taught, the lives she touched, and the memories that continue to inspire the EMF family.
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