POULSBO — For some people, four years might seem fleeting. For North Kitsap’s Tim French, it’s meant a whole lot of long hours.
French is resigning as head coach of the North Kitsap High School varsity basketball program. He’s been head of the basketball and volleyball programs for four years.
“For me, it came down to an issue of time,” he said March 11. “Being a head coach of two high school sports — back-to-back seasons — it’s a huge time commitment.”
French knew coaching two high school teams — one in fall, the other in winter — was a big undertaking. Now he’s decided to slow down and spend more time with his family.
French’s resignation will be official after the school board approves the personnel recommendations March 13 during the board meeting.
It’s been a rewarding experience, the Poulsbo Middle School physical education teacher said.
“I love coaching,” he said. “But after four years of [coaching] both, it just seemed like I need to free up time.”
The program has turned around in the years since French took it over. The team went from four wins in the 2010-11 season to three straight seasons of winning records. In the 2013-14 season, the team went 12-8 overall and 9-7 in conference play, a similar record to the two years preceding it.
French said he’s worked to build a “positive culture” within the program. If he could do that, the wins would follow.
French and his coaching staff have had similar success with volleyball, building three state teams — the 2010 team, North’s first to go to state; and the 2013 team, which finished fifth at state.
It’s a quick turnaround for anyone coaching a fall sport and then winter. For French, whose 2013 volleyball team ended its season Nov. 16, it was real quick. The first preseason basketball game was Dec. 3; practice was held weeks before that.
Though French not sure who will replace him — nobody has given a firm answer — but he hopes the positive mentality of the program continues.
To all the North Kitsap sports fans, don’t worry: French plans to continue coaching volleyball.
