St. Joseph Hill Girls’ Varsity Hoops Coach Jim Garin Dismissed After 5 Seasons

St. Joseph Hill Girls’ Varsity Hoops Coach Jim Garin Dismissed After 5 Seasons

St. Joseph Hill’s Jim Garin has been removed as the school’s girls’ varsity basketball coach after a successful five-season tenure. Garin, who took over the varsity program in the summer of 2019, confirmed his departure to the Advance/SILive.com. The news of his dismissal comes as a surprise to many, including the 61-year-old coach himself.

Garin, a native of Oakwood, had an impressive record of 76-27 during his time as the head coach of the Hilltoppers. Despite the cancellation of the 2020-21 season, Garin led his team to a notable 21-4 record in the previous season, including an 11-2 tally in CHSAA A play. His efforts were recognized when he was named the CHSAA A Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season. Additionally, Garin’s teams made it to the CHSAA A Archdiocesan title game in the two years prior.

The decision to dismiss Garin has left many wondering about the future of the basketball program at St. Joseph Hill Academy. School athletic director Lisa Bifalco has refrained from commenting on the move and has stated that coaching positions within the program have not been finalized as of last week. It is widely speculated, however, that current Hill JV coach Ashley Vogel will be promoted to the varsity bench in the upcoming season.

Garin expressed feelings of being blindsided and disappointed by the decision to let him go. He revealed that he was offered a position as an assistant coach for the varsity team but chose to decline the offer. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his departure, Garin remains grateful for the opportunity to coach at St. Joseph Hill Academy and is proud of the hard work and dedication exhibited by his players over the years.

Prior to assuming the role of varsity coach, Garin served as the head JV coach at Hill for four seasons. His coaching career also included a stint as St. Joseph-by-the-Sea’s JV coach and involvement in youth basketball at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Garin expressed his deep connection to the school, referring to it as his “home away from home” and emphasizing the sense of family he felt within the program.

Reflecting on his time at St. Joseph Hill Academy, Garin reiterated his commitment to giving his all to the team and highlighted the improvement and growth he witnessed in his players both on and off the court. He commended his players for their dedication and expressed pride in their accomplishments during his tenure as coach. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Garin remains grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the school’s athletic program.

As the St. Joseph Hill girls’ varsity basketball team prepares for the upcoming season under new leadership, the legacy of Jim Garin’s coaching tenure will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the program. The transition to a new coaching staff presents both challenges and opportunities for the team, as they strive to build on the foundation laid by Garin and continue to pursue success on the court.

In the world of high school sports, coaching changes are not uncommon, but the departure of a coach who has dedicated years of service to a program can undoubtedly evoke a mix of emotions among players, staff, and supporters. As the St. Joseph Hill community navigates this period of transition, the focus remains on supporting the student-athletes and ensuring that the basketball program continues to thrive and grow in the years to come.

With the 2022-23 basketball season on the horizon, the Hilltoppers will embark on a new chapter under the guidance of a new head coach, bringing fresh perspectives and strategies to the team. While the departure of Jim Garin marks the end of an era for the St. Joseph Hill girls’ varsity basketball program, it also signifies the beginning of a new era filled with potential and opportunities for growth and success. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the spirit of camaraderie and determination instilled by Garin will serve as a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and motivate the players to achieve their goals both on and off the court.