There's something about him, something that makes you really want to impress him. That's the way the Cheverus players are thinking of Gary Fifield.

Fifield doesn't have to recruit anymore and never really has to travel. Now all he must do is coach. For him, there's nothing better as he takes over the Cheverus girls' basketball job and prepares for his first game in charge Dec. 8 at Windham.

"The game's the same," Fifield says. "The biggest challenge is getting a team organized and ready to play in a shorter period of time.” Staff photo by Derek Davis

Fifield watches Tuesday as players run through drills at practice at Cheverus High. Fifield, 64, retired from the University of Southern Maine in 2015 after 27 years of coaching its successful women's basketball team. Staff photo by Derek Davis

Emme Poulin handles the ball during practice Tuesday. “In drills he wants you always to go 100 percent, just like any coach would,” the senior guard said. Staff photo by Derek Davis

Fifield said this season presents a true challenge because he doesn't know what the talent level of other teams will be. Staff photo by Derek Davis

“I told them they only get one time to be a senior in high school and it’s up to them to make the most of it,” Fifield said. Staff photo by Derek Davis

Abby Cavallaro practices free throws during practice. “(Fifield) is always giving us little things to work on; he always has something little for us to tweak, which ends up helping us,” the senior guard says. Staff photo by Derek Davis