Yousef Mabrouk is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Seton Catholic Prep for AZPreps365.com.

Karen Self, head coach for the girls basketball team at Seton Catholic, IS one of the most renowned coaches in Arizona, with 12 state titles on her resume. 

But perhaps Self's best work at Seton Catholic comes off the hardwood.

Seton does an amazing job at funding each sports program but there are always a few kids who can’t afford to play sports. Self and the staff took this to heart and have been running a summer camp to help provide money for kids who can’t afford to play.

The summer camp has been going on for more then 20 years. Self and staff don’t pocket anything from these summer camps. It’s strictly to raise funds for the students.

“Karen Self embodies a deep commitment to her players and the community. With over three decades of coaching experience at Seton, Self has not only amassed an impressive coaching record but has also earned the respect and admiration of her players and peers,” Jim Shewbridge said. “Described as more than just a basketball coach, Self is praised for her mentorship and guidance, teaching not only the fundamentals of the game but also invaluable life lessons. Despite her legendary status and recent induction into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, Self remains humble, prioritizing the relationships she has built with her players above all else. Self's unwavering faith in her team and dedication to their development underscore her character as a coach and mentor.”

Outside of the summer programs, coach Self also has been running 3v3 tournaments for 27 years. The reason she does this in addition to the summer camps is to help raise money for equipment and transportation, one of the biggest challenges Seton faces for its athletes.

Self uses the money raised from the 3v3 tournament to help rent out buses for away games. Although Seton does provide transportation there are some moments where there isn’t enough to go around.

“We all know Karen’s reputation for winning. A good coach is someone who has faith in their players even when they don’t have it in themselves. It’s easy to see this when Karen is coaching, but she carries this over into her classroom as a teacher,” girls golf coach Toni Stevenson said. “She has remarkable compassion for the struggles that many of her students carry with them. She recognizes the potential in her students and her athletes and does what she can to help them grow into confident adults.”

The school does a good job at funding these programs. They do have a budget. But when it comes to the smaller things, those things must come out of someone’s pocket.

“Coach Self is a walking legend. To share the same court with her at Seton is truly an honor,” said assistant boys basketball coach Kornya. “The way she brings culture to her team speaks volumes on why they are always ranked in the state of Arizona for women’s basketball. Man, I get nervous just talking to her sometimes.”

It’s not every day you meet someone like coach Self who has left such a positive impact on and off the court.