Although Auburn women's basketball head coach Nell Fortner has a list of accomplishments longer than a three-point shot, she still looks to those around her to improve the game, welcoming opinions and seeking advice from staff and players, alike.
"She shows great respect for her staff and team," said assistant coach Kerry Cremeans. "She gives so much responsibility to the staff and trusts us with it. She also gives great ownership to the players, values their opinions and listens to their thoughts and concerns. Nell has an open-door policy with her staff and team, so you can talk to her about anything."
Fortner began coaching at Auburn in 2004, and since then, she has more than 100 victories with the University.
By bringing the Tigers back into the national eye, she has brought attention and respect to both the school and program.
"The thing that sets her apart from other people is the fact that her energy level is unbelievable," said assistant coach Mark Simons. "From the moment she gets up she's nonstop, like the Energizer Bunny, and I think she tries to surround herself with the same kind of people. She also has this innate ability to read people, and that's what makes her an excellent motivator. She knows which buttons to push."
Fortner was chosen as the SEC Coach of the Year, the Russell Athletic/WBCA Region III Coach of the Year in 2009 and was a finalist for the Naismith and WBCA Coach of the Year awards. On top of this, she led the Tigers to a runner-up finish in the SEC Tournament and took the team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Ayesha Whitfield, who just finished her first season as assistant coach, said she has already learned a lot from Fortner.
"On and off the court she exudes positive energy," Whitfield said. "She's so knowledgeable of the game, but she's not afraid to let somebody else step in. She's always open to our opinions and our thoughts, and if you have a great idea, she's going to take that in with open arms. It makes us feel valuable."
Not only are there mutual feelings of trust and respect between the coaches, but the players also have a strong relationship with Fortner, Whitfield said.
"The players are extremely respectful toward her," Whitfield said. "They would run through a brick wall for her, and they are very receptive to what she says."
Fortner's positive attitude and encouraging personality is something that cannot go unnoticed, Cremeans said, adding that her love for the game is evident by the way she treats the staff and players.
"She is full of life every day, always seeing the positive in every situation," Cremeans said. "She has a way about her that makes you feel like you are the best and always is so complimentary of her staff and takes great care of us. She is a winner and pushes us to be our best not only for ourselves, but for Auburn."
With respect and positive energy coming from every direction, the team feels comfortable and has fun at practice and during games, Cremeans said.
"The environment is also one of loyalty and trust," she said. "It starts at the top, and that loyalty and trust filters down to her team. That's what creates really good team chemistry."
Simons, who joined the coaching staff in May 2008, said Auburn couldn't have picked a better head coach. "She's a wonderful person, and obviously an excellent coach," Simons said. "It's been real joy to work with her."
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