Steve Rightmyer had the Randleman girls’ basketball team going in the right direction for much of his one season as coach. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record)
Rightmyer’s one season produced another title
RANDLEMAN – Randleman will be trying to keep a high winning percentage in girls’ basketball next season after another coaching change.
Steve Rightmyer stepped away from the position after one season, though the Tigers maintained their perch atop the Piedmont Athletic Conference. He referred to the time commitment as being overwhelming in his situation.
“It was a lot,” Rightmyer said. “I knew it would be.”
Randleman went 20-7 last season, including 12-0 in PAC regular-season play before winning both games in the conference tournament. Rightmyer was named PAC Coach of the Year.
The Tigers reached the second round of the Class 2-A state playoffs.
“It was a fun year,” Rightmyer said. “I really enjoyed coaching them.”
But with sons ages 7 and 4, he decided the responsibilities connected to the varsity job were too much at this time. He has maintained his position as an assistant with Randleman Middle School’s football team.
Randleman athletics director Jake Smith learned shortly before spring break that a replacement for Rightmyer would be needed.
“We’re trying to get it right,” Smith said.
Rightmyer followed Brandon Varner in the coaching position. Varner’s teams went 103-20 across five seasons.
The Tigers excelled after Christmas and produced a 15-game winning streak.
“Our girls weren’t really fazed and it took off from there. It really started clicking,” Rightmyer said, noting the grind of the season that developed. “It was hard to turn off. The coaching part was fun.”
Junior Gracie Beane missed a chunk of the season with a dislocated elbow sustained in a preseason scrimmage. She and underclassmen Chenleigh Robinson and Bella Byman, who were both all-conference selections, along with Kadie Green and Camden Scott could form the core of the 2024-25 team. Gone will be Audra Petty, the PAC Player of the Year.
“It was a pretty young team,” Rightmyer said. “They should have some good talent coming back next year.”
The goal will be keeping the winning tradition.
“That’s a big part of it,” Smith said.
Rightmyer, 36, was in his first season as a girls’ coach. He previously was boys’ basketball coach at Randleman Middle School, and he expects to return to that role.
Rightmyer has been in Randleman schools for a decade. He’ll remain at the middle school as physical education and health teacher.
“I already had a great job,” he said. “I’m happy here.”
