Two things always have been foremost for Bonnie Gilchrist — family and sports.
As a teen, she chose to trek across country from California to play volleyball at the University of Maryland. Her decision was guided in large part by her desire to be near her brother, former Redskins Pro Bowl tight end Jerry Smith.
Thirty years later, sports and family have intersected again for Gilchrist, as she is a volunteer coach for the Sherwood volleyball team, assisting her son, first-year head coach Tim Gilchrist.
At several schools in the Washington area, there are fathers and sons on the same coaching staff. What makes the Gilchrists unique is the mother-son collaboration and it’s the son who is in charge. For the first time in his life, Tim Gilchrist has the final say.
“During a game, for example, she’ll be in my ear saying, ‘Come on Tim, we need a time out,’” said Tim Gilchrist. “But my preference, especially early in the year, is to let the girls work things out on their own. My mom sees what I’m trying to accomplish and lets me do it my way.”
And their way is working to perfection. Through seven matches, Sherwood (7-0) has won 21 of 22 games. Included in the impressive start is a three-game sweep of defending 4A state champion Gaithersburg.
“Tim gets us so pumped up. He’s closer to our age. He’ll joke with us, have fun,” said senior standout Katie Obal. “Sometimes, Mrs. Gilchrist will step in and say, ‘Tim stop that. You’re the coach. You can’t do that.’ It’s funny. That’s when you see the mother in her.”
Gilchrist would have reason to defer to his mother, especially on matters of volleyball. She guided Sherwood to five Montgomery County co-ed volleyball titles in a span six years. One of those was accomplished with the 6-foot-2 Tim as her middle hitter. Another three titles were won with another Gilchrist, 6-foot-4 Matt, as the Warriors’ big bomber.
Two years ago, Bonnie Gilchrist stepped down to take a job as a resource (department) head. Enter Tim.
“I’m not surprised he was drawn to coaching,” said Bonnie Gilchrist. “He’s very competitive in nature.”
Is there any question where he acquired that trait?
Family matters
» Bonnie Gilchrist’s youngest son, Tom, a junior, was a starting outfielder for the Sherwood baseball team last spring.
» Tim Gilchrist teaches at Paint Branch and coaches that school’s co-ed volleyball and junior varsity basketball teams.
» Sherwood has been led by outside hitters Katie Obal (74 kills) and Claire Kodan (70 kills) and setter Kerry Collins (181 assists, 32 aces).
