Rancho Solano Prep recently named Kari LaPlante as the new head coach of the Mustang’s Girls Basketball program. “Kari was extremely impressive throughout the interview process. She has a passion for teaching the game of basketball and her desire to build a program that develops not only great basketball players, but outstanding young women was readily apparent,” said Aaron Trigg, Athletic Director.
Coach LaPlante began her coaching career at the NCAA Division I level at Long Beach State University where she had wide ranging responsible such as player skill development, creating game plans, and recruitment both nationally and internationally. Her coaching career began following a highly successful playing career at Mountain Ridge (AZ) High School, the University of Southern California (USC), and professionally with ICIM Arad and BCT Alexandria in Romania, winning the Championship in each of her seasons overseas. Coach LaPlante returned to Arizona as the Head Coach and Athletic Director at Ethos Academy in Glendale, AZ, leading the team to the league quarterfinals in the program’s first year. “I’m excited to be back in Arizona to give back and build Rancho Solano’s Varsity Basketball Program,” Said LaPlante. “I look forward to working on the fundamentals and to teach these young girls about working together as a team, competing and respect for the game.”
With Coach LaPlante at the helm, the Mustangs Girls Basketball will look to improve on a strong 2018-19 season, going 10-9 and advancing to the Metro Region Semi-Finals. The Mustangs will return several key players as they look to build on last year’s success. They will open their season on December 2nd at Veritas Prep.