High School Sports

News and commentary on high-school sports around Puget Sound.

Beth Madill has resigned as head girls basketball coach at Enumclaw in order to spend more time with her family.

She was named the SPSL 3A Coach of the Year this season. The former Beth Christianson, she is also an Enumclaw graduate and former star player.

Athletic director Kevin Smith had this to say about her in an e-mail he sent out with Madill’s resignation:

“It was a pure joy working with Beth.  She is an outstanding coach who had the unique ability to teach, challenge, push and love her players in every interaction with them.  Her teams were hardworking and talented, filled with outstanding students, and they cared for each other, as taught by their coach.  We will miss her.”

And here is the complete statement from Madill:

“This is the most difficult decision my family and I have had to make, along with resigning from my teaching position at Enumclaw Middle School. I am stepping down from the EHS girls’ basketball head coaching position. I have cried many tears in the past few months when the realization hit that I cannot be fully committed to both my family and my basketball family. I was unaware of the countless hours I put into coaching prior to the birth of our son, Jace. It is not simply showing up for the 2.5 hr practice and 7 pm game nights. There is practice planning, film breakdown, scouting opponents, fundraising, summer ball, youth camp, calling in scores, responding/writing emails, meetings, team camp, and so much more. It truly is a full time job that I have LOVED the past 4 years. I have tried thinking of ways to make it work both for my family and for basketball. In order for me to give fully to what my family deserves and the basketball program deserves, I cannot do it. I truly care and love each of the players I have been blessed to work with. The thought of not being a part of their basketball lives has broken my heart, but I know my relationship with these amazing girls goes beyond the hardwood. I truly believe I will be a part of their lives, but it will be in a different way than their head coach. My hope is to step in as a volunteer varsity assistant coach if it works out with the new hire.  However, I know this time with our son and God willing future children, I can never get back. I do not want to miss a thing. I want to experience all of his firsts and spend quality time with my husband and son. I know many people go through a lifetime having a career they do not love and dread going to each day. I can say with all my heart that I LOVE my career. I love teaching. I love coaching. I love the students and athletes that I have had the privilege of mentoring over the past four years, but the love I have for my husband and son is so much more. My heart was expanded in a way this past season to balance and juggle it all with the help of countless people I cannot thank enough. I leave my position full of gratitude, appreciation, memories, and a heart full of thankfulness for all the support I have received. I thank the Enumclaw School District and community for their continual support and belief in our vision for the Enumclaw Girls’ basketball program. All the coaches at Enumclaw have been an incredible support and the bond we share is something that cannot be found everywhere. It has been a ride I have never taken for granted. Thank you for everything.

5 Fouls and I’m out,

Beth Madill”