KINGSTON— Kingston High School has selected its first girls head basketball coach in school history.
North Kitsap School District officials announced the hiring of Kevin Strozier Tuesday afternoon. The school board has yet to formally approve the hiring, but is expected to do so at a July 12 school board meeting.
Strozier’s resume speaks for itself. He compiled a 96-42 record at Lincoln High School during a seven-year coaching stint in Tacoma. Strozier’s squad won two Narrows League championships during his tenure at the school.
“He has an intense enthusiasm for coaching and kids,” Kingston High School athletic coordinator Dan Novick said. “His history of success on the court will provide instant credibility and his presence around our school will be a powerful one.”
Novick said Strozier impressed NKSD committee members during the interview process.
“His energy level and passion for teaching were what sold the interview committee on Kevin,” he said. “His ability to motivate, teach and communicate were very clear throughout the interview. When a candidate can come in as the last interview of the day and spread energy to the rest of the people in the room, it’s very unusual and unique. We can see Kevin spreading that same level of energy to his basketball players.”
Strozier is excited about making the move to the North End community.
“I am glad Kingston High School gave me this opportunity,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun working with these kids on the court.”
Strozier said making the shift from a 4A school to a 2A school won’t be a difficult transition.
“I don’t see the switch being a huge challenge. Coaching is coaching and basketball is basketball no matter what level you’re at,” he said. “It takes a commitment from the kids and coaching staff to be successful. Both groups have to be willing to work hard.”
The first girls basketball coach in Buccaneers history said defense is the most important aspect in the sport of basketball.
“I am definitely a defensive-minded coach,” he said. “Defense is the foundation of any team. It’s very hard to be successful if you don’t play good defense. It’s something we’re going to work hard at.”
Strozier said the Buccaneers will deploy a man-to-man defense the majority of the time.
“We will do a lot of different things, but we’re going to be an up-tempo team that pushes the ball,” he said. “We are going to play fast.”
More importantly, Strozier’s looking forward to building a program for the long haul.
“Being a new school, I will have a chance to build the program from the ground up,” he said. “That’s pretty exciting. I am extremely blessed to be part of the North Kitsap School District. It feels good to be part of a place that’s very special.”
