GIRLS BASKETBALL: Sullivan tabbed as new Glacier coach
Glacier High School has hired Bill Sullivan, principal at Russell Elementary School, as its girls basketball coach pending approval from the school board.
Sullivan, takes over for Kris Salonen, who resigned last month after more than six seasons as coach of the Wolfpack. She was 12-9 last season, missing the state tournament for the first time in five years, and was 93-58 in parts of seven seasons.
“We are extremely excited that Bill will lead our program because of his passion for athletics, his leadership background and keen understanding of athletics,” Glacier activities director Mark Dennehy said in a press release. “Bill blends high expectations for our girls with a structure and vision for success.”
Sullivan has worked in the school district for nearly two decades in various roles as a teacher and administrator. He coached sub-varsity boys basketball and football at the high school level in the past and junior high girls basketball.
“I’m very excited,” Sullivan said. “I’ve been out of high school coaching for quite some time, so to get back in is pretty exciting for me. I have a passion for basketball and I have a passion for coaching. I’m excited for what it will bring.”
The decision to return to coaching has been brewing for awhile. He got out of coaching to focus on his shift from teaching to administration. After 12 years he feels he’s comfortable enough to return to the game.
“(Being principal) still has to be priority. As I looked into (getting back into coaching) I was excited about it. I felt the timing was right and I needed to pursue it.”
Sullivan said he hopes to fill out his coaching staff and meet with the returning girls by the end of the week.
“That has to be a process that gets filled quickly. I need to be able to meet with the girls and make sure they understand expectations and reassure them that we’re still going to do great things.
“Putting a staff put together is a part of that. The girls need to know stability will be there.”
The Glacier girls graduated four seniors, including a four-year starter in all-state point guard Hailee Bennett, but will have plenty to build on with young talent.
“I expect big things,” Sullivan said. “The nice thing for me is I’m coming into a program that’s pretty well established. They’ve done some great things and the previous coaches have got the program in a nice place. I want there to be passion for basketball for the girls. I want them excited for playing and I want them to compete on a daily basis. I want to be a top notch program in the state of Montana.”