The girls’ varsity basketball team’s head coach, Derrick Hamilton, has announced his retirement after more than 32 years of coaching. 

“It’s time, he said. One of my players is [senior] Ana Gent, and when I went and recruited her six years ago, I told her you might be the last player that I recruit and I might retire when you graduate.”

Coach Hugh Bain has been chosen take over the program.

“Sometimes you have to step away, and let others have their shot,” Hamilton said. “I want Coach Hugh to take this program into the future.” 

Sophomore Chloe Garoust said she already is on board with the coaching transition.

“I’m excited about having a new coach because I think it will bring a different type of energy to the team,” she said. The change in coaching won’t affect the team because Coach Bain coached the junior varsity girls’ basketball team and was the assistant coach for the varsity team.”

Senior Brooklyn Stellato said she has faith in the future of the girls’ basketball program. 

“The [younger varsity players] really want it, and I would not be surprised if they go farther than West Shore records,” Stellato said.

Derrick said he doesn’t plan on disappearing from the coaching scene completely. 

“I will be the new bowling coach for next year,” Hamilton said. “It’s a little milder and I’ll be home a little earlier.” 

By Terianne Quach