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

More in Sports

X
Who’s that frog? A local high school tennis player, that’s who

Arlington tennis player Robbie Balderas worked as AquaSox mascot Webbly this season, and the busy junior also runs a landscaping business.

Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones is pulled to the ground by a diving Nicholas Mouser of Monroe on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Monroe High School in Monroe, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Swarming Monroe defense keys win over Terrace in Wesco 3A South showdown

The Bearcats slow down the Hawks’ potent ground game, and quarterback Blake Springer tosses three TDs in a 35-10 victory.

Arlington players lift the Stilly Cup in the air after beating Stanwood on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Arlington re-claims Stilly Cup after short hiatus, routs Stanwood 42-7

Leyton Martin registers 277 yards, 4 TDs as Eagles notch fifth straight game with at least six TDs.

Marysville Pilchuck’s Christian Van Natta lifts the ball in the air to celebrate a turnover during the game against Marysville Getchell on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep football roundup for Friday, Sept. 29

Prep football roundup for Friday, Sept. 29: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report… Continue reading

Marysville Pilchuck’s Dominik Kendrick (9) runs with the ball during a football game between Marysville Pilchuck and Stanwood at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Marysville Pilchuck takes the win, 36-7. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Marysville Pilchuck proud of 4-0 start, but has loftier goals

The Tomahawks aren’t listening to the outside noise, including a No. 1 WIAA RPI ranking, as a tough stretch lies ahead.

Stanwood players react to their coach bringing them the Stilly Cup on Sept. 30, 2022 in Arlington. The Spartans snapped a 12-game losing streak in the rivalry matchup last year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
4 games to watch in Week 5 of the prep football season

An in-depth look at the best games the area has to offer, plus a full schedule of the local action in Week 5.

Prep roundup for Friday, Sept. 29

Prep roundup for Friday, Sept. 29: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) gestures to Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodríguez (44) after striking Rodríguez out to end the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
MLB investigating Astros pitcher’s alleged use of homophobic slur

The incident occurred during a heated exchange between Houston’s Hector Neris and M’s star Julio Rodriguez on Wednesday night.

Prep roundup for Thursday, Sept. 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, Sept. 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Most Read