Lifetime Achievement
This is a really neat, feel-good story, a nice-things-happen-to-nice-guys story, and a story of excellence, accomplishment, and humility all wrapped into one.
On January 7, Collegiate’s girls varsity basketball team defeated Frank W. Cox High of Virginia Beach 60-28. The victory enabled the Cougars to even their record at 4-4 against its typically challenging schedule. It also marked Rives Fleming’s 300th victory in the 26 years he has led the Cougars’ program.
“Coaches are teachers,” said Athletic Director Andrew Stanley. “Achieving success and longevity is always noteworthy, but when you watch Rives coach, it’s clear you’re watching an outstanding teacher in action.
“He and his staff can break down the smallest aspect of a skill and the bigger aspects of the game with equal fluency. He provides an expert blend of technique and tactics and the social/emotional needs of kids. It’s not easy to sustain a high level of focus, attention to detail, and passion decade after decade. Rives has done it well for a very long time.”
A 1983 Collegiate alumnus, Fleming taught and coached two years at Powhatan School following his graduation from the University of Virginia before returning to his alma mater in 1989 as a teacher, coach, and advisor.
He first coached Cub boys basketball, then the JV boys (including a 17-0 season in 1995-96). He served as a varsity boys assistant for one season before assuming the leadership of the girls program in 1997. His coaching résumé also includes long stints in the cross country, lacrosse, and softball programs.
While at Collegiate, he ran cross country, played basketball, and served two years as a Cub basketball student assistant, an experience which, he says, played a significant role as he considered his career path. Even then, it was obvious to those who worked with him that he had the instincts, work ethic, patience, and people skills to be successful.
“Teaching and coaching is a labor of love,” Fleming said. “I love the whole teacher/coach model. Coaching is an exciting part of it. It’s the challenge. Just like teaching, every year is different. I enjoy the chance to compete and coach different types of kids in different sports and in different environments. That keeps you fresh. You take them where they are and try to make them better. That’s always been my goal. There’ve been a lot of great moments along the way that have made it worthwhile.”
Fleming’s first game as head varsity coach was a 44-25 defeat on the road to St. Gertrude, the defending League of Independent Schools champion. Six days later, he got his first win (59-20 at Christchurch). Three days after that, the Cougars settled the score with St. Gertrude (54-45) in the Rebel Invitational Tournament.
In an emotional sport played by emotional people before emotional crowds, Fleming has always been the model of unflappability, poise, and grace.
“That’s my personality,” he said. “It’s a strength when I get into an emotional situation and I’m able not to go down the emotional path. Sometimes it gives me the advantage that I’m able to look at the next step or take advantage of something I see because I’m thinking analytically and can make rational choices and not lose myself in the moment.”
Considering his manner, it’s no wonder that those who have shared the journey with him regard him with utmost respect. What follows is a compendium of their thoughts and insights.
- Rives creates a family atmosphere for players and coaches. He really connects with the group he’s coaching and knows how to adjust his coaching to that group. He brings everybody together, and he’s sustained relationships with his players even when they’re long gone.
- Rives is encouraging, knowledgeable, and everything you could want in a mentor. He teaches and coaches for the purest of reasons.
- Rives is even-keeled. He handles losses really well. He handles wins really well. He sees sports not just in wins and losses but as an opportunity for kids to have a meaningful experience and grow.
- Coach Fleming is a players’ coach who really cares for his athletes. He’s good at handling pressure, always calm, and a super-kind person who makes sure his players have what they need to be successful.
- Rives is always consistent. He doesn’t let anything get the best of him. When the game is tight or down to the wire, he doesn’t add stress. It’s always, lean on your preparation, lean on your strengths.
- Coach Fleming does a really good job preparing us in practice so we don’t panic. In timeouts, he’s saying, “OK, let’s breathe. Let’s calm down. We got this.” He’s always positive and encouraging. He never gives up on a player.
- Rives loves to develop players. He shows up early and stays late, even if it helps just one player.
- Anyone who has had Rives as a teacher, coach, and friend knows how awesome and amazing he is. He’s so dedicated to making you a better player, but also a better teammate and better person.
- Rives is competitive in that he wants the team to do well, but it’s never about him. He’s passionate about coaching, but with no ego.
- Rives is a student of the game. He’s always willing to learn.
- Rives has a youthful, exuberant spirit.
- It’s an honor and privilege to be coached by Coach Fleming.
Twenty-six years and 300 victories (against 241 losses) is the longest tenure and highest victory total of any boys or girls basketball coach in Collegiate history.
“I’m a plugger,” Fleming said. “I’ve been coaching long enough that I’ve been lucky to get to that number, but when you talk about 300 wins, it’s the [other] coaches who deserve most of the credit. I’ve always surrounded myself with people who know basketball and are good people. I’ve always thought of us as a group. I’m just lucky to have done something I enjoy so much and shared the experience with so many great kids and coaches along the way.”
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