Monroe girls basketball coach Chalfant resigns

When Matt Chalfant took over as the girls basketball coach at Monroe High School three years ago, he planned to stay just long enough to stabilize a struggling program.

With that goal accomplished, Chalfant stepped down Monday.

“My true passion lies in coaching boy’s basketball and I knew that my time with the girls would be short,” Chalfant wrote in his resignation letter to Monroe athletic director Mark Henderson, “but I also knew that I would not leave until a foundation was created where Monroe Girls Basketball could thrive for years to come.”

Chalfant took over as head coach in March of 2012 after three years as Monroe’s junior-varsity boys coach. He was the Bearcats’ fourth head coach in less than two years, including one who resigned midway through the 2011-12 season.

“I applied for the position (three) years ago because I was tired of seeing the girls experience frustration and heartache year after year,” Chalfant wrote in his letter. “I firmly believe that a culture has been created and foundation has been laid where Monroe Girls Basketball will continue to thrive in my absence.”

In his first season, Chalfant guided Monroe to an 11-12 record and a berth in the district tournament. For his efforts, he was named coach of the year by the Snohomish County Women’s Basketball Officials Association. The Bearcats also qualified for the district playoffs in Chalfant’s second year.

This past season, the Bearcats were 18-8 and advanced to the regional round of the Class 4A state tournament. One of the highlights of Monroe’s season was a 53-42 win over No. 2-ranked Inglemoor on Dec. 27, the only regular-season loss of the year for the Vikings.

Henderson said the search for Chalfant’s replacement will begin “immediately.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Midfielder Christian Soto dribbles up field during Snohomish United's 5-1 win against the Tacoma Stars at Stockers Fields on July 9, 2025 (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Snohomish United keeps playoff hopes alive in home finale

With 5-1 win against Tacoma, the USL2 club’s focus on local talent keys success in inaugural season.

AquaSox down Devils for consecutive wins

The AquaSox were on a 2-10 stretch coming into the series.

Cam Schlittler’s strong debut freezes Mariners

The Mariners fell to the Yankees, 9-6, on Wednesday night.

Silvertips forward Carter Bear fields questions after the Detroit Red Wings selected him 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles on June 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy Natalie Shaver / CHL)
Two weeks after Draft, Silvertips’ Bear still can’t believe it

The Red Wings’ first-rounder reflects on draft night and his experience at Detroit’s development camp.

Storm flies too close to the Sun, loses in an upset

Connecticut snapped a 10-game losing streak to beat Seattle 93-83 on Wednesday morning.

Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees flips his bat after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in New York. (Evan Bernstein / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Raleigh, Judge heat up homer race at Yankee Stadium

In the battle of baseball’s biggest sluggers, Aaron Judge… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks linebackers Derick Hall (58) and Boye Mafe (53) celebrate a defensive play during the 2024 season. (Rio Giancarlo / Getty Images / The Athletic)
Season to reveal long-term plans for Seahawks linebackers

The Seattle Seahawks selected edge rusher Boye Mafe with… Continue reading

Silvertips defenseman wins U20 Ball Hockey World Title with Canada

Rylan Pearce helps Canada win gold at the ISBHF U20 World Championships in Slovakia.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) makes a catch against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Rashard Robinson (33) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer / Bay Area News Group / Tribune News Services)
Sports psychologist changed Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin’s outlook

The former receiver overcame intense emotions during his player career

Paolo Banchero, Orlando agree to max contract extension

The former O’Dea star could earn up to $287 million over five years.

NHL players, owners vote to ratify 4-year CBA

Notable changes include an 84-game season starting in 2026, shorter contract terms.

AquaSox outfielder Carson Jones gets settled in the batter's box during Everett's 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 6, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox show progress, but drop fifth straight to Canadians

Jones’ go-ahead, 3-run homer is spoiled in 4-3 loss to wrap up homestand.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.