Right after finishing college in 2014, Michael Leitzman said he couldn’t have imagined landing a job as a boys varsity basketball coach.

When he found out he got the job at Medora High School, his dream became a reality.

“If someone would have told me I was coaching my first year out of school, I would have told them they’re crazy,” Leitzman said. “It was really exciting. I got the job when I was 22 years old. Having the opportunity at such a young age is a blessing.”

Leitzman graduated from Brownstown Central High School in 2010.

During his four years there, Leitzman played basketball under coach Dave Benter.

In 2009, Leitzman was a part of the Braves squad that went to the Class 2A state title game. The following season, the Braves finished with an undefeated regular season record before falling in regional.

“The biggest challenge is not knowing how it all works,” Leitzman said. “The kids have been very coachable for the most part. My high school coach (Benter) has really helped me with the transition. He has given me workouts and advice. The big thing right now is not knowing what to expect.”

The first-year coach has played organized basketball since third grade in Brownstown.

“This is my first year of coaching on a varsity team,” Leitzman said. “Last year, I was a senior in college and helped coach sixth-grade AAU and a fifth-grade team in Brownstown.”

Since he played basketball just four years ago at BCHS, Leitzman said he feels he has been able to connect with his players.

“I always loved the game of basketball and have always wanted to be around it,” Leitzman said. “I still get to be around the game I love every day being a coach.”

Leitzman currently teaches a number of classes in the Medora school system — ranging from sixth to 12th grade. This past spring, he graduated from Indiana University Southeast in New Albany.

A majority of Leitzman’s players are in his classroom, and he said that seeing them almost every day has helped him build relationships with the young men on and off the court.

Under Leitzman, the Hornets have been told to focus on defense, attitude and communication.

“The big thing I have been preaching is the parts of basketball we can control,” Leitzman said. “You can’t control how the ball falls every night. I have been preaching defense. Everyone is capable of defense no matter if the ball is going in.”

Another facet Leitzman has been working on is leadership.

“There are a few kids who aren’t really used to being leaders,” he said. “I’m really pushing them into that role. Leadership is one of the most important things on the court.”

The Hornets will open their 2014-15 season on the road against West Washington on Tuesday. On Dec. 5, the Hornets will have their home-opener against Crothersville.

Last season, the Hornets finished with a record of 8-13.