Breaking Sports – Amanda Vermillion out as head coach of Lady Jackets basketball program

The News Journal has learned that Amanda Vermillion’s contract has not been renewed at Williamsburg Independent Schools for the 2016-17 academic year. This applies to both her position as an elementary school teacher, as well her position as the head coach of the Lady Jackets varsity basketball program.

According to Vermillion, she was called to the front office during the day Thursday, at which time she was informed that the decision had been made by school administrators to not renew her contract. She says that no specific reasoning was given for why she would not be welcomed back to coach or teach next year.

When asked what she would like to say to her players about the matter, Vermillion said, “I just want them to know that I enjoyed the ride with them, and I wish them the best in the future. They are capable of great things. I am disappointed that I won’t be with them, but I guess it’s just not meant to be.”

Williamsburg Athletic Director John Harris said of the situation, “We appreciate everything that she has done for the girls basketball program. She has been an asset to our school, but we are moving in a different direction.”

Harris said that the search for a new girls basketball head coach will begin immediately.

Williamsburg Independent Schools Principal Dr. Amon Couch chose not to divulge any information about why Vermillion’s teaching contract is not being renewed, saying it is a personnel matter. For that reason, he said he “would not, and could not” make any comment.

Dr. Couch did say, “Losing a job is hard, and I don’t want to pour any salt on the wound. I think she is a good person. She has given us a lot in the last two years, so I want to honor that. I respect what she has done, but we are just going in a different direction.”

Dr. Couch also wanted to stress that he and his fellow administrators put a high priority on girls basketball at Williamsburg, and his wish is to conduct a “good, thorough” search for the Lady Jackets’ next head coach.

In two seasons leading the Williamsburg girls basketball program, Vermillion compiled an overall record of 14 wins and 40 losses. This was her first experience head coaching at the varsity level.

As for the future, Vermillion said that she plans on applying for other coaching and teaching jobs in the area, mentioning South Laurel and Knox Central High Schools as possibilities of where she might try to land next. Both of those schools currently have openings for girls basketball head coaches.

The News Journal will continue to monitor the situation regarding who will become the next girls basketball head coach at Williamsburg, and will report on any developments as soon as that information becomes available.