Loomis takes reins of NHS girls basketball

Laura Loomis has been hired as the new head coach of the Niwot High School girls basketball team. Loomis replaces Todd Trobaugh, who served as head coach for the past two years. Trobaugh resigned shortly after the end of the 2024-25 season.

Loomis served as JV coach and assistant varsity coach at Niwot High last year. Her daughter, Alaina Loomis, was a freshman on the varsity basketball squad, and saw considerable playing time, averaging 9.3 points per game, second highest on the team.

"With my first teaching job, I started coaching basketball," Coach Loomis said. "It's nice to win, but what I love more is growth. I want to help kids accomplish their goals."

Loomis has taught language arts for fifth grade and seventh grade students at Flagstaff Academy in Longmont since 2018, where she also coached girls basketball at the charter school.

Loomis is a Colorado native who played basketball at Ponderosa High School where she was the "tallest player on the team at five-foot-nine and three-quarter inches" she said. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado where she played intramural basketball, and while in college, she was an exchange student in England where she also played basketball.

Loomis continues to play basketball herself in a women's league in Broomfield. "It's fun to still play the game," she said. "It helps me as a coach."

Her background in education includes 20 years as a teacher as well as a stint at a non-profit organization where she taught leadership classes and worked on restorative justice programs. She is also involved in a WNBA program that seeks to mentor and support young female athletes, keeping them in sports and building future leaders.

In an email to players and parents, NHS Athletic Director Joe Brown said, "Laura's passion for basketball and proven ability to cultivate both athletic success and strong character make her an exceptional addition to our Niwot family. She embodies our core values of character, competition, culture, pride, and living like a champion."

Citing her service as an assistant coach, Brown said, "Laura has already demonstrated her dedication through assisting with varsity practices, providing in-game feedback, and effectively leading our JV team. Her initiatives, such as a team culture-building program and community service projects, highlight her commitment to holistic athlete development."

Loomis has already started an open gym and weight lifting programs. She plans to host a girls basketball camp for younger players in conjunction with Niwot Youth Sports during the first week of June. She plans to have her squad attend team camps at CU and at Regis this summer, and her players will also play in a 3 v. 3 league.

Although the Cougars lost five graduating seniors, Loomis is excited about her team's prospects. She will be assisted by Bayley Chevron, who played basketball in college and teaches social studies, including IB psychology classes at Niwot High. "She's great at teaching the mental part of the game, which is a big part of it," Loomis said. Chevron also coached at Niwot last season.

Paige Niemeyer, who served as the C team coach last year after graduating from college in New York with a degree in business and marketing, will also return. Niemeyer played basketball in college and according to Loomis, brings a lot of energy to the team.

"We have a wide range of ages for the coaching staff," Loomis said. "We all bring something different to the table." Loomis is looking for one more coach to assist with the program.

Loomis was also recognized as Flagstaff Academy's Teacher of the Year for 2023-24. She will be available for a meet and greet at Niwot High School on May 13.