03/31/2025
After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to step down as the boys head varsity basketball coach at Antigo. Due to the distance, I travel, along with other personal reasons, I can no longer give the full commitment that this program deserves. While this decision was not easy, I know it is the right one. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead such a storied program, and I truly believe the program is in a better place now than when I took over three years ago. Progress has been made, and I am proud of the steps we’ve taken to move Antigo basketball in the right direction.
To the Players:
Coaching each and every one of you has been the greatest privilege. You have all taught me so much, and I am beyond thankful for the time we spent together. The relationships we built and the moments we shared were the best part of this job, and I hope that you all stay in touch in the future. More than anything, I wish you success not just in basketball, but in life. Keep working hard, keep believing in yourselves, and never stop competing.
To My Coaching Staff:
To the assistants who stood by my side, I cannot thank you enough. Your support, dedication, and knowledge were invaluable, but more importantly, you were incredible role models and leaders for the young men in our program. Coaching is not just about X’s and O’s—it’s about shaping character—and I was fortunate to work alongside a group that always had the players’ best interests at heart.
To the Center Court Club & Antigo Basketball Supporters:
Your passion for Antigo basketball is unmatched, and your support over the past three years has meant the world to me. I hope you know that I was truly dedicated to pushing this program in the right direction because I understand and respect the deep tradition of Antigo basketball. A lot of people care about this program, and I am grateful to have been part of that community.
To the Parents:
To the vast majority of you—thank you. Thank you for supporting your sons, our program, and me as a coach. You trusted me to coach your kids, sometimes to push them hard, and I appreciate your respect and understanding of what we were trying to build. To the few who had complaints or disagreed with my coaching style, I want you to know that every decision I made was with the team’s best interest in mind. It’s unfortunate when outside negativity affects a player’s experience, as basketball is a team sport that teaches life lessons far beyond the game itself. My hope is that all players, regardless of their experiences, took something positive away from their time in the program.
In the end, I am simply grateful. Antigo basketball will always be a part of my heart, and I will always be rooting for the program to get back to the glory days. Thank you again to everyone who supported me along this journey—it has truly been an honor.
Sincerely,
Shaun Smith
