Huntland High School head girls basketball coach Mike Edmondson has announced that he is stepping down from his position after five years with the team.
Edmondson said that he had been considering the move after the 2022-23 season, but he decided to stick around for one more year.
“(Assistant coach Michael) Tipps and I talked about it. We thought we still had a chance to maybe go to the state (tournament,) so we were going to try one more time,” he said, adding that the drive from his home in Shelbyville to Huntland had started to wear on him recently and was a major factor in his decision.
The Lady Hornets had gone 101-50 in Edmondson’s five years at the helm with the program capturing three district titles and a 2021 regional championship along with two sub-state appearances. The Lady Hornets most recently ended the 2023-24 season with a record of 11-17 as injuries impacted the team’s effectiveness for most of the year.
Edmondson has been coaching basketball since the 1980s and recorded his 500th career coaching victory on Jan. 10, 2023, in a Huntland victory over Moore County.
“Overall, the experience has been great. I’ve had some great girls to work with. The administration has been good. I have no complaints at all,” Edmondson said regarding his time at Huntland.
He added that he could not have achieved the success he has had at the school without the work of assistant coaches Michael Tipps and Darrell Jolley.
Huntland Athletic Director Bob Robertson said that Edmondson was his first choice for the job when it opened up in the summer of 2019 after seeing him on opposing sidelines at Community and Cascade for decades.
“I had coached against him and watched him coach for 30 years, and he was my first phone call,” Robertson said. “He had to check with his wife first, but in about 30 minutes, we had him on board here, and everything has been a success while he’s been here.”
Robertson added that both sides knew from the start that it might be a short-term hire, but he was happy with what has been accomplished since then.
“We were looking at a three- or four-year job, and we were able to keep him for five,” he said. “I wish he was continuing to stay here, but I appreciate the five years.”
Edmondson said that he appreciates Robertson reaching out to him and giving him this opportunity.
“We’ve known each other for a long time, and I really appreciate the opportunity I was given and the teams we were able to put together here,” he said. “Everything has been very positive. I’ve really enjoyed the experience. I’ve known Huntland for a long time and always enjoyed coming to Huntland.”
Robertson said that the girls basketball job has been posted with Principal Lisa Crabtree ready to consider applications. The school is hoping to begin interviews following the conclusion of the boys basketball state tournament Saturday with a goal of getting the position filled in time for offseason summer camps.
