by In a story first reported by Kee On Sports last month in regards to St. Joseph Academy placing their Head Girls Basketball coach on indefinite leave, the news is now official as Head Coach Karen Swanson-Haan and St. Joe’s have parted ways. Swanson-Haan who arrived in the spring of 2020, will no longer be with the program moving forward. It was a successful run that saw a District Championship in 2022, the second of her coaching career at the time. Swanson-Haan also won a district title while coaching at Westlake in 2018-2020.
She was a member of the 2001 National Champion Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a squad coached by the legendary head coach Muffet McGraw. Swanson-Haan was also influential in the Pink Power Preview held every November at JCU, a program that no matter where she lands next, needs to continue and I’m confident that it will. The girls basketball community needs more stories such as that, and the NCAA Final Four coming to town, etc..
With all that being said, out of respect for the coach, the school and the parents involved, I will not be giving my opinion on any of this other than I pray all ends well for everyone involved in the next journeys of their lives. A game is simply a game, and I truly hope everyone continues to play, coach, and give back.
A full statement from St. Joseph Academy President Kathryn Purcell on the decision made, can be found below.
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