April 25, 2024
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Darcy Kepner turns in Storm blues for Tiger blues

By Kevin Hieronymus

Darcy Kepner, who worked at the PHS boys camp, has been named as the Tigresses' new varsity basketball coach. (Kevin Hieronymus)

Darcy Kepner will be turning in her Bureau Valley Storm blues for Princeton Tigers blues.

The Bureau Valley alum was approved as the new varsity girls basketball coach at Princeton High School at Wednesday’s school board meeting. The BCR previously reported she was in line for the job.

Kepner was the 2016 BCR Female Athlete of the Year, standing out in basketball, volleyball and softball for the Storm.

But she’s ready to become a Tiger.

“It’s a little strange being they were such a big rival in high school,” Kepner said. “I remember when I first started helping coach [Tiffany] Gonigam at Princeton. She gave me a Princeton shirt, and I said, ‘No way I’m wearing that.’

“But over the years, I’ve learned how great of a place Princeton is. Princeton is a place I always wanted to get back to after helping there and student teaching there, as well. Now I couldn’t be more excited and proud to wear Princeton blue.”

Kepner succeeds Gonigam, who resigned after five years and who is expecting her first child in October. Kepner played for Gonigam at Bureau Valley and has helped her on and off at PHS, including a stint as a student teacher in the 2019-20 school year.

“It’s been an easy transition coming in, helping her and just knowing the kids and how she runs things,” Kepner said. “It’s just a good program walking in to and the foundation is already set. I feel like my job is a little easier. I’m very grateful for the foundation she’s left here and excited to take it over for her.”

PHS athletic director Jeff Ohlson, who also came from BV and preceded Gonigam as the Tigresses’ coach, looks for good things to come with Kepner at the helm.

“Princeton High School is extremely excited to have her enthusiasm and passion for basketball, leading our young ladies, and we look forward to the success she will bring to the program,” he said.

Kepner was hired as a special education teacher at Logan Junior High School and will coach eighth grade girls basketball.

She is a 2020 graduate of Monmouth College, where she played basketball and softball. She was an assistant coach at Midland High School last year.