LOUDONVILLE — One of the most successful basketball coaches in Ashland County history announced Monday that he will step down at the end of the school year.
Loudonville coach Tyler Bates said he will resign as the Athletic Director and Dean of Students at LHS.
“Subsequently, I will also be stepping down as the girls basketball coach after our banquet in early April,” Bates said in an email to area media members late Monday afternoon.
Bates is coming off his most successful season to date. He led the Redbirds to the program’s first Final Four appearance since the 1992 squad reached the Division III state championship game.
“While working at Loudonville, God has put some amazing players, coaches, families and colleagues in my life,” Bates said. “Having the opportunity to share some of the positive memories with my family and friends is something that I’ll be forever grateful for.“
Bates said he broke the news to players and their parents on Monday morning.
“While I don’t know what the next chapter of my life looks like professionally, I am positive that I have a lot of coaching left in me and I am hopeful that I can find another school district where I can positively impact the educational process,” Bates said.
The Redbirds’ boss compiled a record of 202-69. The 202 wins is an Ashland County and Loudonville High School record. This year’s team went 26-3 and won Mid-Buckeye Conference, sectional, district and regional championships while earning a No. 7 ranking in the final Division III state poll.
The 26 wins this year was an Ashland County and Loudonville High School record. The Redbirds have dominated MBC play, winning eight straight conference championships from 2017 to 2024.
In Bates’ tenure, six Loudonville girls basketball players have cracked the 1,000-point barrier, including:
- Corri Vermilya (2,407)
- Emily Seboe (1,588)
- Grace Vermilya (1,392)
- Nikki Weber (1,296)
- Shalen Guilliams (1,206)
- Celeste Ryman (1,065)
Corri Vermilya was runner-up for Ms. Basketball this season.
Through the end of this season 17 Redbirds will have earned some sort of All-Ohio distinction and 10 athletes went on to play at the collegiate level.
Bates also noted, “We were recognized as one of the top academic teams in the state of Ohio on numerous occasions.”