The Bond That Elevated Dylan Gotelli's Game

By: Andrea Aruino

Being a student of the game looks different for everyone. A strong set of values, unwavering focus, and a tough mindset can get you far in the world of basketball. Dylan Gotelli possesses all that a coach would hope for when someone walks through their doors. Gotelli is a seventh grader who has been playing and watching basketball ever since her dad first introduced it to her. Her love for the game was forever sealed when she received a basketball hoop one Christmas, serving as a symbol for what was to come and what is to come in her future with basketball. 

There are two things about the game that Gotelli loves the most: shooting and driving to the basket. Although, her confidence in weaving through defenders into a layup or bringing the ball down into a three-point shot did not come overnight. Beforehand, she found pleasure and comfort in sharing the ball by passing it any time she could. She is a selfless player to say the least, but quickly learned that she was just as capable as her teammates to shoot the ball. 

About a year and a half ago, Gotelli had tried out for Team Norcal, an AAU team where she and UPB’s Coach Dylan Pegarido first crossed paths. Just like many greats, she didn’t make the team the first try – but like them, she refused to let that stop her from becoming better. Her mom had introduced her to UPB where she decided she was going to hone in on improving her game. Gotelli frequently attends group training, especially the all-girls training which occurs on Sundays. It was during these group sessions that Pegarido had recognized her from the crowd and remembered her from tryouts. The sheer passion and ambition for learning more about the game stood out the most to Pegarido. 

Low and behold, Gotelli began receiving private training sessions and was assigned to Pegarido, who pushed her to do things way outside of her comfort zone. He described Gotelli’s initial style of play as unselfish; she was constantly looking to pass the ball rather than keep it to shoot or drive. He knew he had to strengthen her trust in controlling the ball while encouraging her to be more assertive in a way that benefited the team. As more private training sessions went on, Pegarido saw her blossom into a whole new player. She grew to feel comfortable with the ball–shooting it and driving with it, something she had been so hesitant to do in the past. 

He encouraged Gotelli to try out once more for Team Norcal where her hard work was rewarded with a spot on the team. With Pegarido as both her AAU coach and her UPB private coach, Gotelli has received invaluable guidance tailored to her unique skill set. Pegarido finds it especially helpful to watch her play in games, gaining first hand insight into areas they can focus on during private training. When asking Pegarido about Gotelli’s strong suits it is without a doubt she is on route to becoming even better. 

“Dylan is a coach's dream. She proactively wants to get better. She comes into the gym knowing what she wants to work on which makes my job easier. Not only that, she is one of those players that makes sure her teammates play a role in the game,” Pegarido said. 

When listening to Pegarido talk about Gotelli’s growth as a player and student, it is without a doubt that she has the mind and skill of a leader. As she reflects on her growth, she recalls being afraid of what she is most confident in now, whether that looks like a pull up shot or a hard drive to the basket. She held a hindering belief that shooting and missing would get her pulled out of the game. What she learned through Pegarido and through playing more is that missing is simply part of the game. She credits many of her successes so far to the community and support that UPB has shown her.

“If [Coach Dylan] had never encouraged me to try out for the AAU team again, I wouldn’t be on the team. UPB is a really supportive environment and is a positive community that makes me love basketball even more,” Gotelli said. 

What speaks the most about Gotelli’s game is her humbleness on the court but especially off the court. When talking about what she has achieved so far, she credits her parents, coaches, and teammates. Beneath all of the people that have helped her get this far lies the strongest foundation required to prosper in basketball: Gotelli’s determination and commitment to getting better. 

Success in basketball requires the mental toughness to accept feedback and lean on the support given. Gotelli’s story is a testament to all those who hope to become a better player, student, and teammate and Coach Dylan has been representative of UPB and how each coach treats their student’s goals as their own.