West Geauga girls basketball: Veteran coach Cheryl Rye steps down after 22 years

The 22-year tenure of Cheryl Rye as West Geauga’s girls basketball coach has come to an end.

Rye tendered her resignation this week, ending a coaching career by the West Geauga alum that began in the 1996-97 school year.

“I have some difficult news to share with everyone, and I hope you will bear with me as this is one of the most challenging emails I’ve ever had to write,” penned Rye in her resignation letter she shared with her players, as well as The News-Herald.

“Because I have too much respect for the game and for the program that I have built over the past 22 years, I am stepping away as the varsity head coach and retiring from West Geauga,” Rye said.

She ends her career with a 211-258 record (.450) with four Chagrin Valley Conference titles and coach of the year honors throughout her career from The News-Herald, Greater Cleveland Basketball Association, Northeast Ohio District and the Plain Dealer.

“Being named the varsity head coach at my alma mater is one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Rye said in a phone interview with The News-Herald. “It’s been an honor to represent the school I grew up in. It’s a big responsibility, one I did not take lightly. I hope I did it with class, respect and integrity.”

The Wolverines went through a rebuilding year this past season, but returns a solid base for the coming season, a group that includes current freshmen Nicola Ehrbar and Elana Zebrowski — two of the team’s leading scorers.

Rye quickly pointed out her resignation was not made because of this past season.

“I was always proud to be on the sideline coaching and standing with you,” she wrote to her players.

Rye said she thanks the players, parents, team managers, trainers, athletic directors, administrators and fellow coaches she’s worked with as the coach. She said working with longtime friend and assistant Julie Kless was impactful.

“I’ve been so lucky to have Julie there coaching with me,” Rye said. “We both share a passion for empowering female athletes to be fearless and strong. I am beyond grateful for the loyalty (Kless) had to both me and the program.”

In closing her letter to her players and staff, Rye wrote, “Empower one another. Build each other up. Be confident in your ability. Remember that there’s never a downside to taking the high road. Enjoy every moment and be strong. It has been a truly unforgettable ride. And I hope that being a part of the traditions of the Lady Wolverine Basketball program was endearing and memorable for each of you as it was for me over the last 22 years.”