South Hardin Girls Basketball Head Coach Nick Eller recently announced he’s stepping down after five seasons at the helm.
“I enjoyed my time coaching the girls. I’ve really put a ton of time into it and loved every minute of that part of it. Want to get some other stuff done in life and get my work to life balance a little bit better. It was pretty tough doing football right into basketball, which I knew coming in. When you’re trying to catch up from everything all the time, it makes a rough transition at times. I was just ready for a break,” says Eller. “Wanted to leave the program in a better spot and thought I’d gotten it to that spot. I’m really excited for the team and girls we have coming back. I think we can be a power for years to come and keep improving. I think there’s still a ton of growth that can go on. I hope we can find the right coach that wants to take it to that spot.”
The Tigers went 10-14 this season, which was their most wins since 2015-16 (14-8). Highlights included first-time wins over Sumner-Fredricksburg, Southeast Valley, their first win over Dike-New Hartford since 2010 and first win over AGWSR since 2015 to advance to 2A regional semifinal. The Tigers had four NICL-West all-conference honorees this season: Alli Sheldahl, Ayda Eller, Grace Eller and Ava Salvo.
Eller on his top takeaways from the role.
“Just getting to know them, from fun offseason stuff we did, the team camps, summer leagues and different trips we made to play more ball. That’s the stuff I’ll take away that I really enjoyed and I enjoy that just as much with football. That’ll be a lifelong friend down the road or someone they can always look to for advice, help or a reference. I love that about coaching as much as anything. The games and all that will go away. You won’t remember a lot of those. I really enjoy the relationships I build with them. Hopefully the fun stuff we did together, the battles and the life lessons. Those are the things I’ll take away and I hope the girls take away too.”
Eller will continue his role as head football coach this fall.
Full Interview with Nick Eller:
