The Winning Season

The Winning Season is a 2009 American sports comedy film written and directed by James C. Strouse, and starring Sam Rockwell. It premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and received a limited theatrical release on September 3, 2010. The film was distributed by Lionsgate in both the United States and the United Kingdom, after the company acquired the rights at Sundance. It was produced by Plum Pictures and Gigi Films.

Plot

Bill Greaves, a divorced and estranged father, is struggling to reconnect with his teenage daughter, Molly. His friend Terry, a high school principal, offers him a job as the coach of the girls' varsity basketball team. Initially reluctant, Bill regrets accepting the position after meeting the team, which includes Abbie Miller, Tamra Schemerhorn, Mindy, Wendy Webber, Lisa Robinson, and Kathy Reyes. However, as the season progresses, the team improves under his guidance, and the girls help Bill reflect on and attempt to repair his relationship with Molly. Despite their success on the court, the players continue to face personal challenges off the court that their "winning season" cannot resolve.

Cast

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, The Winning Season holds a 52% approval rating based on 23 reviews.