Straughn steps aside

Woodstown girls basketball coach steps away from coaching after one season to devote more time to her family

By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News

Woodstown is in the market for a boys and girls head basketball coach today after Wolverines girls coach Kara Straughn confirmed she is stepping away from coaching after one dynamic season to devote more time to her family.

“I’m still at Woodstown,” she said, “but with my daughter being so young and my parents retiring/moving down south, I needed more time to devote to my family.

“It really broke my heart, but as a mom and parent I knew it had to be done. I know the girls will be great and will always have my support.”

In Straughn’s single season as head coach, the Wolverines went 21-7, won a fourth straight Tri-County Diamond Division title and lost at Wildwood in the South Jersey Group I championship game marred by a chaotic finish.

In the closing seconds of that game, the crowd poured onto the floor after the Warriors hit a go-ahead 3-pointer from the left corner believing time had expired. Straughn, however, had called time immediately after the basket, game officials conferred and put a few seconds back on the clock, but the Wolverines never got a good shot after rushing down the floor.

The process of finding Straughn’s successor continues as the Wolverines prepare for their summer league season. The teaching opportunities available in the school system will be a factor in the search.

Whoever gets the job, they will inherit a team with two of the most dynamic scorers in South Jersey. Rising senior guards Talia Battavio and Megan Donelson are both on track to surpass more than 1,500 career points next season.

The Wolverines recently were installed as the No. 2 seed in the West Region of the South Jersey Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Woodstown boys coach Phil Campbell stepped away at the end of the season.

Cover photo: Woodstown girls basketball coach Kara Straughn watches her team during a game last season. Her father and assistant coach, retiring Wolverines teacher and softball coach Dave Wildermuth. is seated next to her on the bench.