Rivalry Doesn’t Hurt Bond Between Coaches

Cleveland Coach Kimberly Kelly and San Fernando Coach Christine Fotis are girls’ basketball foes who consider themselves friends.

The two are bound by a relationship that began 12 years ago while Kelly coached the San Fernando junior varsity girls’ basketball team under Fotis. It has been strengthened by weekly get-togethers at area restaurants ever since Kelly left for Cleveland High nine years ago.

“We usually do it after the Wednesday game, every week,” Kelly said. “After a game, sometimes it’s hard to be with people who haven’t been through the same things.

“It’s just to unwind a little bit, to talk and just hang out with somebody who’s involved in the game.”

Kelly, who lives in Sylmar, and Fotis, an Encino resident, have maintained their friendship not only through the years, but also through a spirited North Valley League rivalry.

“It’s funny, but we usually end up splitting our games with them,” Kelly said.

Sure enough, Cleveland (10-10, 3-7) snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating San Fernando, 47-31, in the season finale for both teams last week, nine days after the Tigers (6-16, 2-8) had beaten the Cavaliers, 65-53, in the teams’ first meeting.