News Summary

The Edwardsville High School girls basketball team welcomes Kaylie Gudka as their new head coach. With her background as a former college player and coaching experience, Gudka aims to build a strong family-oriented culture within the team. As the program looks to rebound from past challenges, the community is excited about the upcoming season and the potential for success under her leadership.

Exciting Changes for Edwardsville High School Girls Basketball Team

The beautiful city of Edwardsville has some thrilling news for local sports fans! At the recent District 7 Board of Education meeting held on September 8, Kaylie Gudka was approved as the new head coach of the Edwardsville High School girls basketball team. This marks a new chapter for the team as they look to build on the legacy of their previous coach, Bryan Young, who wrapped up his tenure with a solid record of 36 wins and 23 losses over two seasons.

A Fresh Start with Gudka at the Helm

Kaylie Gudka, originally hailing from Thornton, Colorado, made her way to the Edwardsville area just a year ago. At just 30 years old and a proud mother of two, Gudka seems both talented and relatable to her future players. She’s ready to take on the challenge of coaching, bringing her wealth of experience and energy to the basketball court.

With an impressive history as a former college basketball player, Gudka stood tall at 6-foot-4 and played as a center for both the University of Wyoming and Regis University. Her prowess on the court didn’t stop after her playing days; she transitioned to coaching as a graduate assistant at Texas Woman’s University where she honed her skills under the mentorship of Beth Jillson. Following that, she served as an assistant coach for the Grantsville High School boys basketball team in Utah before settling down in Edwardsville.

Building a Strong Team Culture

One of Gudka’s primary goals is to foster a family-oriented culture within the team, which she believes is essential for success. She has observed the talent within the current team, having watched them play and reviewed past game footage. Her vision for the upcoming season includes connecting with the middle school programs early on to ensure a seamless transition for younger players as they work their way up to the high school level.

The Edwardsville ladies had an impressive season last year, finishing with an 18-10 record. However, their postseason ended in disappointment after a loss to Quincy in the Class 4A Granite City Regional semifinals. The Tigers have struggled in recent years, having lost their streak of 18 consecutive regional championships in the 2022-23 season. They’re also itching to reclaim the league championship title, a prize they haven’t held since the 2021-22 season.

Coaching Staff and Future Plans

Although the specifics of Gudka’s coaching staff have yet to be announced, she expressed her confidence in the direction set by Edwardsville’s athletic director and assistant athletic director. The duo has a reputation for crafting successful team environments, and Gudka is eager to add her personal touch to this proven framework.

As a new coach, she’s particularly excited to dive into her role with enthusiasm and warmth while recognizing the impressive history that comes with coaching at Edwardsville High School. With her passion for basketball and experience both on and off the court, the community can expect a vibrant season ahead.

Overall, Kaylie Gudka is primed to breathe new life into the Edwardsville High School girls basketball team. Her energy, commitment to building a positive culture, and love for sports resonate strongly within the local community. The new season is just around the corner, and everyone is eager to see how the team will rally under her leadership. Here’s to a fantastic basketball season ahead!

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