Hileman Leaves Program Better Than She Found It

“A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life,” John Wooden said.

For many players, Lady Pirates Basketball Head Coach Amy Hileman’s short tenure has changed the lives of many ladies wearing that blue and white.

She announced her resignation at the May Williamsburg Community School Board meeting.

Hileman coached for five successful seasons for the Lady Pirates, winning a District 6 Championship in 2023, and leading the Pirates to the playoffs in 2021-2024.

Current Williamsburg Athletic Director Jeff Detwiler said Hileman has meant a lot to the girl’s basketball team over the years.

“She may have spent years as the head coach, but her dedication to the program extends further – she spent years working with players and teams in our youth program,” he said. “Our school and community appreciate the time she dedicated to the sport, and we cannot thank her enough for her commitment.”

Hileman has been coaching since her sons, Jack and Drew were in 1st and 2nd grades.

“When Ayla was old enough, I started coaching her group when they were in preschool; so depending on when Jack and Drew were on the same team, some years I was coaching three different elementary teams at once,” Hileman said.

She said when the position for varsity coach was advertised it was a difficult choice for her.

“I would miss seeing Drew play varsity basketball at times with schedule conflicts and Ayla was still on the junior high team, and the varsity is traveling as junior high is playing, so I would miss seeing her too,” Hileman said.

She also knew when her daughter was a senior, she would have to make a decision on whether to stay with the program after she graduated.

“Ayla always had a goal to play basketball in college, and I would want to see her play,” Hileman said. ”As it played out, I became the coach and God set me on a very challenging yet rewarding path.”

She said she has been very blessed to teach the game to many children and young adults along the way.

“To see someone set a goal for themselves and achieve it is so rewarding,” Hileman said. “To see the smile and joy of accomplishment has been a driving force for me.”

The mark she left on her players far extends any Williamsburg basketball court.

“I have played for Amy since I was in elementary school and with that being said, it was like playing with a family – she treated us girls like her daughters and did so much for us all,” Claire Carper, Lady Pirate and Class of 2024 graduate.

Carper said Hileman was compassionate and had genuine concern about their success in all areas of their lives.

“It was an experience I am so lucky to have had – I think the basketball program is losing a great coach, but I believe that her legacy will stay on,” Carper said.

Former player Kendel Norris echoes that same sentiment.

“A thank you is not enough for me to express how truly grateful I am to have her as my coach — not only did she lead us to multiple ICC championships, state playoffs, and a District 6 title, but she has shaped me into the person I am today,” Norris said.

She said Hileman taught her how to be a leader, how to communicate, how to be a good listener, and how to persevere.

“Most importantly, I was taught to play with heart, and because of her, I found my love of basketball,” Norris said.

Class of 2024 graduate Laney Prough also agreed.

“Amy is one of the most important people to inspire my basketball career and I will forever be grateful for that — I am glad to call Amy my coach – and she will forever be my coach,” Prough said.

“A change of pace, “ Hileman said, is her reason for resigning. “I still work a full-time job so coupling that with basketball has always been challenging.”

Her family is also growing, her son and his wife just had her first grandbaby in May.

Hileman’s daughter is living out her dream playing basketball in the fall at Frostburg State University.

“My parents are getting older and I would like to do more (other than basketball) with them,” Hileman said. “God is leading me on a new path, so I must listen, as hard as it is to say goodbye to leading the Lady Pirate basketball team. It’s time to focus on family, and to just breathe.