Salazar steps down as women's basketball coach
By Mike Pilosof
Garden City, KS-After four seasons, Garden City women's basketball coach Nick Salazar resigned on Wednesday, citing personal reasons.
"It was just time," Salazar said. "I feel like there are other things I could be doing. We are expecting our third child, and it gives me an opportunity to spend more time with my kids and my wife."
Salazar steps down following a 10-21 season where the Broncbusters finished 11th in the conference standings and lost to Cowley County 112-51 in the opening round of the Region VI tournament. He was 62-62 during his four years as coach.
"Nick approached us," athletic director John Green said. "He was not forced out by any stretch. He is a valued part of the Broncbuster nation and is an outstanding educator. So we are glad that he will be staying on with Garden City."
Salazar accepted a full-time job as a physical education instructor at the college.
"The transition will take place this semester in coordination with instructional administration," Green said. "Plans are to open a nationwide search to fill the position of head women's basketball coach as soon as possible."
During his four years on the bench, Salazar had plenty of highlights, including a 21-11 record and a second-place finish in the Jayhawk Conference during the 2015-2016 campaign. His teams won a postseason game in three out of his four seasons, and reached the Region VI semifinals in 2014.
He coached Shala Dobbins, who was named the Jayhawk Conference player of the year in 2015-2016 and became the program's first All-American since Tamara Jones earned the prestigious honor in 2013. Salazar was an assistant under Alaura Sharp that year and helped recruit Jones, who eventually moved onto play at Southern Mississippi.
But more impressive than the on-the-court accolades is the fact that the former New Mexico High School coach, graduated 16 of his student athletes.
"I want my time at Garden City to be remembered for more than just basketball," Salazar said. "We got these girls in the classroom and graduated them. And I could not do it alone. I've had some great assistant coaches during my time here."