News Summary

Andrew Curtis, the head coach of the Perry girls basketball team, is leaving his position after nine successful seasons to become an assistant coach at BYU. Under Curtis’s leadership, the team achieved notable success, including multiple playoff appearances and the development of players who transitioned to college basketball. While excited about the new opportunity, Curtis expresses a bittersweet sentiment towards his departure, leaving a strong legacy in the Perry community and impacting the growth of girls’ basketball.

Perry’s Basketball Community Welcomes Change as Coach Andrew Curtis Moves to BYU

In a significant turn of events for the Perry girls basketball program, head coach Andrew Curtis has decided to step down from his position after nine impressive seasons. Curtis announced that he has accepted an exciting new role as an assistant coach at Brigham Young University (BYU), marking a fresh chapter in his coaching journey.

A Stellar Record at Perry

During his tenure at Perry, Curtis set an exceptional record of 157 wins and 92 losses, establishing himself as a formidable leader in the local basketball scene. Under his guidance, the Perry girls basketball team showcased their skills and grit, finishing as runner-up twice and reaching the Open Final Four once. This remarkable achievement not only highlighted the team’s talent but also Curtis’s ability to inspire his players.

Notably, over 10 players coached by Curtis have successfully transitioned to play college basketball, a testament to his dedication and coaching prowess. His impact on their lives extends beyond the court, as he has instilled values of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship in his athletes.

A Bittersweet Transition

While this move marks a wonderful opportunity for Curtis, he also describes it as a bittersweet day for him and the Perry community. He acknowledges that Perry will always hold a special place in his heart, yet he feels a strong desire to embrace new challenges and experiences.

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Curtis will be joining forces with BYU’s head coach Lee Cummard, who also hails from Mesa. Together, they are eager to tap into Arizona’s rich pool of basketball talent. This collaboration is expected to bring a fresh and vibrant perspective to BYU’s basketball program.

A Family-Friendly Move

As Curtis prepares for this transition, he views the move to Provo as a fantastic opportunity for his family. He believes that there may be no better environment for both family life and basketball than Provo, allowing them to thrive together in this new chapter.

Legacy of Excellence

Throughout his time at Perry, Curtis has been a prominent figure in the Arizona basketball community, playing an essential role in promoting and generating excitement around girls’ basketball. His contributions included establishing a girls’ division at Hoophall West, an influential event for the sport in the state. This initiative has positively impacted the growth and recognition of girls’ basketball.

Currently, Perry High School is in the midst of searching for a new head coach to fill the void left by Curtis. His impact will certainly be felt, especially considering that his past nine teams received the prestigious AIA Scholar Team Award for maintaining an impressive team GPA of 3.5 or higher.

A Record of Achievements

As a coach, Curtis has received numerous accolades, including being named Arizona Premier Region Coach of the Year in 2023 and CUSD Coach of the Year in both 2022, 2023, and 2024. Many notable players have emerged under his guidance, such as Khamil Pierre, the 2023 Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year, and Madison Conner, a WNBA draft pick, both of whom have made their mark in the world of basketball.

Background and Future Endeavors

Before taking the helm at Perry, Curtis was an assistant coach at Corona del Sol, where he had the opportunity to mentor players like Alex Barcello. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northern Arizona University, graduating in 2015, and boasts a dynamic background, having served in the U.S. Navy as a Master-At-Arms from 2007 to 2011.

A true all-rounder, Curtis was a three-sport athlete in high school, showcasing his talents in basketball, baseball, and football. Outside of athletics, he is married to Amy Curtis and cherishes his role as a father to three children: Aria, AJ, and Alexander.

As the Perry community reflects on Curtis’s exciting journey ahead, they will undoubtedly wish him all the best in his new role at BYU while celebrating the legacy he leaves behind.

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