The McCaskey Girls Basketball Booster Club hosted its annual banquet on Tuesday, February 25, at the Bright Side Opportunities Center, bringing together players, families, and supporters to celebrate the season. This year’s banquet marked the retirement of longtime Head Coach Brian McCloud, who has been a part of McCaskey basketball for more than three decades.
Honoring a Coaching Legacy
Coach McCloud, who led the Red Tornado for 21 seasons as head coach and previously served as an assistant coach for 10 years, reflected on his career with appreciation.
“It feels good to see the girls do well. That’s all it’s about,” McCloud said. While the moment was overwhelming, he acknowledged that it was time to step aside and allow a new generation of leadership to continue shaping the program. “It’s part of life. You get to a point where it’s time to move on and let somebody else feel good about doing things, too.”
With 213 career wins, including district and section championships, McCloud built a program focused on both athletic excellence and personal growth. Beyond statistics, he has mentored players, teaching values of hard work, discipline, and resilience.
McCloud reassured the McCaskey community that while he is stepping down as head coach, he will continue to be involved in a volunteer capacity.
“I’m not going to totally leave,” he said. “It’s in my blood.”
Looking Ahead
With McCloud’s retirement, McCaskey has begun the search for the next head girls basketball coach, a process Athletic Director Teasia Peña is leading. Peña, a former McCloud player and a 1,000-point scorer, spoke about his influence.
“I was fortunate to play for Coach McCloud, and his longevity and success speak to the relationships he has built over a 20-year coaching career,” Peña said. “I’ve told Coach there will always be a place for him at McCaskey.”
As the team prepares for a new chapter, McCloud shared words of advice for aspiring players.
“If playing basketball is what you want to do, you have to take it seriously and go hard at it,” he said. “Work on your craft, and don’t worry about what others are saying. Set your own goals and work hard to reach them.”
The Role of the Booster Club
The banquet also recognized the support of the McCaskey Girls Basketball Booster Club. Led by President Katrina Holmes, the Booster Club plays a key role in supporting the team by raising funds, providing pre-game meals, organizing summer and fall basketball programs, and ensuring the players have resources to develop their skills.
“We take our time and energy and invest it into these young people in hopes that they have the best season that they can have,” Holmes explained. As a parent of a current player, she takes pride in seeing her daughter and teammates develop and take on leadership roles.