Washington girls basketball will have to replace their state championship-winning coach.
Kim Barth stepped down as the Washington girls basketball head coach on Monday, April 27. She led the Panthers to the Class 3A state title last month, achieving a 35-2 season and the program’s first-ever state title.
“Being a mom is one of the best things I’ve ever had an opportunity to do,” Barth told the Journal Star. “So to have an opportunity to make a decision after a season like this? There’s no better way for me to go out.
“Somebody said (to me), ‘Are you done for sure, forever?’ Honestly, I don’t want to be for sure, forever.”
Barth says coaching is no longer just November to March, but a year-round endeavor. That came with sacrifices that Barth is no longer willing to make.
Her daughters will be in first and third grade for the 2026-27 school year and are involved in several activities including basketball.
“My heart was being pulled in two directions,” she said, “and I have to go to the one that I only get to do once in my entire life and that’s my kids.
“They’re getting to that age where they need mom more. I’ve been praying a lot and I’m at peace. This is the best decision for my family right now. It’s not easy though. That doesn’t make it easier at all.”
In 10 seasons with Washington, Barth went 247-63 (.797), won six regionals, led the Panthers to a 2025 Class 3A state third-place finish and posted seven seasons with 24 or more wins. She took over for Maggie Mose prior to the 2016-17 season after being the Washington girls sophomore coach.
Barth, who was Kim Holdenrid when she was hired, is thankful and grateful to have been able to guide Washington for the last decade.
“It was a dream,” Barth said of her time on the bench. “This is a storybook. You couldn’t write the ending any better. … There’s no better way for me to leave the program. Our foundation is built and I’m proud of that. I know that whoever takes over is going to continue to push these kids and continue to lead this program to success.”
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This story was updated to add new information.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: After winning state title, Washington HS girls basketball coach steps down
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
