New Year’s resolutions.

Some of us take them seriously, while some of us take them lightly. We may be resolute to keep them, or we may abandon them by early February.

In terms of athletics, coaches have been thinking about what personal resolutions they can make, as well as those for their respective teams. They can be predictable, and yet, they can be unique.

Here is a sampling of local coaches from the 10 teams in our coverage area:

Jim Thorpe head girls basketball coach Tom Ferguson - “Personally, my New Year’s resolution is to continue growing as a coach — being more intentional with communication, teaching, and creating an environment where our players feel supported and challenged every day.

“For our team, the resolution is simple but meaningful: get better daily. Our record doesn’t define who we are or the effort our kids are putting in. We’re focused on improving fundamentals, competing for four quarters, and building habits that will pay off not just this season, but long after. If we stay committed to that process, the results will come.”

Lehighton head girls basketball coach Nadia Gauronsky - “My personal New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with friends and family.

“My team resolution is to continue to grow and develop through a very tough second-half schedule.”

Marian athletic director and head football coach Billy O’Gurek - “A New Year’s resolution for myself and for our team is to continue being consistent in who you are, how you approach your goals, and to always try to perform and live up to your own personal standard, and the standard we have established as a football program the last two seasons.”

Northern Lehigh head girls basketball coach Brandon Hibbler - “My personal resolution is to continue to see our team improve each day, continue to focus on our team goals which is making the league and district playoffs. I want to see our team succeed both in basketball and life.”

“My team resolution is to continue to play at a high level, compete with the better teams, and work toward to see that our best is yet to come. We want to make sure to continue to have fun, and focus on the rest of the season.”

Northern Lehigh head girls wrestling Junior Ortiz - “Personally, my New Year’s resolution is to keep growing as a coach and mentor by being more present, more patient, and making sure I’m doing right by these athletes.

“For our team, the goal is simple: keep building confidence, discipline, and pride in what we’re creating together in our first year. We want to work hard, support each other, and to set the standard for NL girls wrestling for years to come.”

Northwestern head girls basketball coach Chris Deutsch - “My New Year’s resolutions are to be more outgoing, patient, and read more books.

“Our team resolutions are to have fun, stay positive, support one another, and to be kind to one another.”

Palmerton head boys basketball coach Joe Egan - “My personal resolution for 2026 is to get better at playing the harmonica. I picked one up last year and I’m still pretty rough, but I’m hoping to actually learn some songs this offseason.

“As far as our team goals, we want to play with more poise, cut down on turnovers, and bring consistent physicality on both ends — especially when the game gets tight.”

Panther Valley head football coach Mark Lavine - “Personally, I’ve never been much of a New Year’s resolution guy. Like everyone else, I want to make sure to eat better after the holidays and exercise — especially the older I get.”

“As for our team, we want to continue to improve every year and not just get into the playoffs, but now win in the playoffs.”

Pleasant Valley head girls basketball coach Angela Zimmerman - “My personal goal/expectation is to continue learning the game so I can be one percent better every time I step onto the court. I also want to be a better version of myself for the team as a person and a coach.

“My expectations for the team are for them to come out hungry and ready to play each and every game. To play, set the game at a high tempo no matter what and to play a full four quarters.”

Pleasant Valley head girls soccer coach Tara Hyland - “My personal and team resolutions are to encourage risk-taking on the field, whether it be a skill, tactic, position, speaking up, etc., and to feel safe to do that.

“We also want to work on postgame reflection as an individual player and as a team, where improvement can be made as a player and as a coach and communicate that together. We want to use all the data we accumulated throughout the season to create training opportunities to work on our weaknesses in the offseason for my team to realize their potential.”

Tamaqua head boys’ basketball coach Jim Barron - “As far as New Year’s resolutions for myself, I don’t really ever do anything.

“As far as for our team, we’re going to try and focus on turning the ball over less in the new year. That has been our Achilles heel the first half of the season, so our emphasis will be on fixing that going forward.”

Weatherly head boys basketball coach Luke Medico - “The team resolution (goal), and my personal goal going into 2026 is to be 100 percent dedicated to the process.

“To give all effort to the present moment. Knowing that’s all we can control, the outcomes will be what they may. The focus is to enjoy the journey.”

For all of those on the hardwoods and fields as well as to you readers, here’s to a happy and healthy 2026!