After 20 seasons as Montgomery Catholic’s women’s head basketball coach, Jill Clark is retiring from her coaching position at Montgomery Catholic. Coach Clark, who is completing her 25th year as a coach at Catholic, met with her team Monday afternoon to inform them of her decision.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a great school,” said Clark. “Montgomery Catholic is where I began my career, where Jeff and I raised our children, and now with five grandchildren under the age of five, I feel it is time to enjoy more time at home with our growing family on our farm.”
In addition to being a varsity basketball coach for 36 years, 16 of which with Montgomery Academy, Coach Jill Clark has also coached varsity volleyball, varsity tennis, and varsity softball for numerous years at Montgomery Catholic.
“We are all so appreciative of Coach Clark’s dedication to generations of Montgomery Catholic athletes,” said Daniel Veres, athletic director at Catholic. “The lives she has touched and the positive impact she has had is immeasurable. I have enjoyed our 11 years together and wish her nothing but the best,” Veres said.
“Even though it is hard to leave these young women and sport that I care so much about, I feel I have reached a turning point in my life and with our family that makes this, in my heart, the right time to retire,” said Clark. When asked about her career statistics, Coach Clark said she “was never focused on her personal success; it has always been about the kids.”
“Coach Clark has been an integral part of a very successful athletic program, and we are very grateful for her dedication and selfless service,” said Justin Castanza, school president. Castanza continued, “Personally, I am so happy for the time she will now have to focus on family and enjoy her grandchildren.”
The process for hiring a new head women’s basketball coach begins immediately. Coach Clark will continue with Montgomery Catholic in the Physical Education Department.
