News Summary

The Milwaukee basketball community bids farewell to Steve Showalter, who has resigned as head coach at Dominican High School after four successful seasons. With a record of 77 wins and 28 losses, Showalter has made significant contributions to youth basketball and left a lasting impact on players and the program. His 25-year coaching journey includes numerous achievements and the cultivation of a strong basketball culture. As he steps away to prioritize family and well-being, his legacy will be remembered fondly by many.

Milwaukee’s Basketball Community Says Goodbye to Steve Showalter

Here in Milwaukee, the basketball scene is buzzing with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude as Steve Showalter, the beloved boys’ basketball head coach at Dominican High School, has announced his resignation after a strong four-season run. With an impressive record of 77 wins and 28 losses, Showalter leaves behind a robust legacy in the heart of a sports-loving community.

A 25-Year Coaching Journey

Showalter’s journey through the world of coaching spans 25 years, beginning when he stepped into the role at just 35 years old. His passion for the game blossomed from an early age. As a standout player himself, he made headlines at Baraboo High School, where he scored a whopping 763 points and guided his team to a remarkable state tournament appearance back in 1984.

After making waves as an all-state player, he took his talents to UW-Platteville under the coaching of the legendary Bo Ryan. There, Showalter’s skills were recognized as he earned accolades such as All-Wisconsin State University Conference and even recognition as an All-American from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. His experience as a player laid a solid foundation for the successful coaching career that followed.

Successes and Achievements

Showalter’s coaching resume reads like a dream! He spent 15 years at Germantown High School, where he led the team to an astounding three consecutive state titles from 2012 to 2014, solidifying his place in Wisconsin basketball history. Under his guidance, the Germantown squad achieved an incredible 69-game winning streak, a state record maintained between 2011 and 2014. He also served a season as an assistant coach at NCAA DII Lindenwood University, not to mention his contributions at Menomonee Falls and St. Augustine Prep.

A Culture of Success

In total, Showalter can proudly boast an overall coaching record of 402 wins to 133 losses. He has played a pivotal role in developing a strong youth basketball culture, inspiring young players, including his own sons, Zak and Jake, to embrace and love the game. He also coached notable talents such as Jon Averkamp, Lamonte Bearden, Brian Bearden, and Luke Fischer. Each of these athletes contributed to a culture where excellence became the norm.

Challenges in Modern Coaching

As he reflects on his coaching journey, Showalter is aware of the evolving landscape of youth sports. He mentioned how the pressures of social media and highlight reels have changed the game. Many players today are not watching full games or instructional tapes the way they used to, often losing out on critical learning opportunities. Yet, amidst these challenges, Showalter has always highlighted the emotional bonds formed between players and coaches as one of his greatest joys.

Taking a Break for Family and Well-being

Though stepping down from coaching is bittersweet, Showalter is determined to focus on his family and personal well-being. He has decided to take a break from the demands of coaching but hasn’t completely ruled out a return in the future. The athletic director at Dominican High School, Tom Mlada, shared his appreciation for Steve’s dedication and the significant impact he made on the Knights program over the years.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

As his tenure concludes, Showalter looks back with pride. The love he has for teaching kids the fundamentals of basketball and nurturing a passion for the sport shines through. With a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and excitement for the future, the Milwaukee basketball community will certainly miss Coach Showalter, who has left his indelible mark on the game and the hearts of many players.

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