Longest-Tenured Wabasso Girls Basketball Coach Neil Dolan Steps Down

After 23 years of coaching the Wabasso girls basketball program, Neil Dolan has decided to step down as head coach. Dolan’s historic run with the Rabbits came to an end following the 2023-24 season, where the team finished with a 7-20 record.

Throughout his tenure, Dolan led the team to seven conference championships, including a solo conference title in 2003-04, the same year the Rabbits won the Class A State Championship. Despite the ups and downs of the past five seasons, Dolan continued to prioritize teaching and coaching his players on and off the court.

Dolan’s coaching philosophy focused on faith, family, school, and then sport, emphasizing the importance of building character and confidence in his players. He made sacrifices to be a coach, missing countless games his own children played in to lead the Wabasso team.

Wabasso Activities Director Joe Kemp praised Dolan as a coaching pillar who changed girls basketball in the area with his competitive spirit and fast-break style. Dolan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at Wabasso and left the door open for a potential return to coaching in the future.

As Dolan reflects on his coaching career at Wabasso, he acknowledges the impact his players had on his life and the support he received from his family. Despite stepping down as head coach, Dolan’s legacy and influence on the program will be remembered for years to come.