Rocky River’s Jamey Pfahl Honored as Coach of the Year

Rocky River High School’s girls basketball coach, Jamey Pfahl, has been named the Division III Northeast Lakes District Coach of the Year following an impressive season. Under his leadership, the team finished as the undefeated champions of the Cleveland West Conference, securing a remarkable 19 wins out of 23 games. The announcement came on March 2, 2023, highlighting Pfahl’s significant impact on the program.

In a statement to The Morning Journal, Pfahl expressed his gratitude for the recognition, noting the competitive nature of the district. “There are so many great coaches in our district and so many great teams, and I am humbled to win the award,” he said. He emphasized that the accolade reflects the hard work of his entire coaching staff, which includes Jeff Hammond, Joe Biven, Mark Anderson, Hannah Dotson, and Miranda Wammes. “Every time I win the award, I refer to it as the coaching staff of the year because there is nothing without my staff,” Pfahl added.

The Pirates demonstrated exceptional performance this season, not only dominating their conference with a perfect 14-0 record but also advancing to the OHSAA playoffs. Their journey culminated in a strong playoff run, reaching the district final before facing a challenging match against Medina Highland. Pfahl’s leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the team’s competitive spirit and fostering a winning culture.

Key players contributed to the team’s success, with Nora Bruder earning first-team honors and Elizabeth Lang being recognized on the second team of the Northeast Lakes District. As the team looks ahead to the next season, they remain optimistic, especially with only one team captain graduating.

Pfahl’s accolades are not new to him; he has previously been recognized as the Great Lakes Conference Coach of the Year in his first two years of coaching. His consistent success reflects a dedication to developing both the players and the program as a whole. With the foundation laid this season, Rocky River is poised to continue its success in the upcoming years, promising an exciting future for the team and its supporters.