Meredith Graf resigns as RHS girl's basketball coach
Photo by Josh McDaniel
Ruston High principal Dan Gressett confirmed Thursday that Meredith Graf has stepped down as head coach of the Ruston girls basketball program after six seasons.
"Meredith informed me this morning of her intentions to step down and go to work in her family's business," Gressett said. "She felt very good about her decision. I hate to lose her but I totally understand where she's coming from. She's been so good for Ruston High School. I wish her nothing but the best. She will be hard to replace."
Graf, named the 2023-24 District 2-5A Coach of the Year, will leave her coaching and teaching position at the end of the school year to help with her family's timber business.
The Lady Bearcats went 24-8 this season, winning the District 2-5A title before making it to the Division I nonselect quarterfinals.
"This has not been an easy decision for me at all but I have chosen to step down from teaching and coaching to help with my family’s business," Graf said in a statement. "Ruston High has been nothing but incredibly supportive and wonderful to me since I arrived. There is an extremely long list of people who have always had my back and helped support the re-establishment of Ruston High girls basketball as being a legitimate contender year in and out. I am incredibly proud of what has been accomplished during my time but all of the success of our program belongs to the players. While yes I had to steer the ship, the players must buy in, believe, and work. What was established these past seven years is built on a culture that prides itself on being a family, learning to serve, and working to be the best version of yourself. It just so happens we do that through playing a game we all love.
"There is no perfect time or easy way to step away as a coach but I know the character and the talent of the young ladies that are there and I know they will continue the tradition and culture. The next coach is inheriting high character young ladies."
Interviews for the position will open soon.
