Jamie Polak is used to running the show.

As a player at Steel Valley High School, Polak was the general of the Ironmen attack as a point guard, averaging more than 20 points per game as a senior in 1993.

He went on to play at Clarion University, where he was a two-year captain and All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference selection. And even today he leads in his line of work, serving as dean of students at Steel Valley Middle School.

Thus, after spending the past five seasons as a boys' varsity assistant on Shawn McCallister's staff at Steel Valley, it only made sense that Polak was more than ready to take charge once again.

In early June, Polak did just that when he was named girls' head coach at Thomas Jefferson. He replaces Rob Pupich, who resigned after last season.

After applying for a handful of boys' head coaching jobs the past two years, Polak said the opportunity to grab the reins of the Thomas Jefferson girls' program was too hard to pass up.

"While I was coaching at Steel Valley, one goal that I had was to land a head coaching job," Polak said. "And I wanted to go into a good situation at a school where the tradition was good and where they had some talented girls. This was a great fit."

A coach making the switch from the boys' to the girls' side of things, or vice versa, isn't that unusual, but that doesn't mean Polak won't go through a transition period as he tailors his coaching style to form the right fit. Luckily for him and his players, relaying the intricacies needed to mold a successful girls' team just happens to be one of Polak's strong suits.

"With boys, sometimes you get away from teaching fundamentals. They're more athletic, so you can hide some flaws," Polak said. "Girls are the complete opposite. As a coach, you really need to teach them fundamentals. I feel that's one of my strengths. I truly enjoy teaching the fundamentals of basketball, all the things needed to be a successful player. It can take a team to a higher level."

The team Polak takes over is used to playing at a high level. The Jaguars have qualified for the WPIAL playoffs each of the past five seasons. They've won three section titles in that span, including last season when they shared the Section 5-AAA championship with Elizabeth Forward.

When most coaches land a new head job, they're faced with the challenge of rebuilding. But as Polak has seen already, the foundation for continued success is already in place at Thomas Jefferson, which makes his biggest test a search for perfection.

"Seeing the girls a little bit, you can really tell that they've been coached well in the past," Polak said. "They play well together and you can tell they've been around each other for a while. In that situation, you know the fundamentals and basics are down, so you sort of just tweak things."

First and foremost on Polak's list of "tweaks" is the team's postseason success. Although the Jaguars are used to getting to the playoffs, they rarely come out on top once they get there, having won just one postseason game this decade.

"I have two goals: You win the section title and you win the WPIAL championship. That's what it's all about. Anything less is not a successful season. I want to take them to the next level. I think these girls have the experience and they are ready to do it," Polak said.

Count Polak among those ready to do it, too. And if his leadership background is any indication, he and the Jaguars will be happy with where the program goes.

"I've had some success as an assistant coach, but now I'm ready for a head role," Polak said. "Wherever this takes me, we'll find out."