Lacey out as Skyline hoops coach

By Tommy Keeler Jr. -- tkeeler@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- Andrew Lacey had a big addition to his life recently when his fiancé gave birth to a baby boy. Now that Lacey has an even bigger family away from the court, he decided it was time to make some changes.

Lacey resigned Monday as the head girls basketball coach at Skyline High School. He has been hired for the same position at North Stafford, a move that will allow him to be closer to his mother, who lives in Montross.

"I wanted my mother to be able to see her grandson -- that was the biggest issue," Lacey said. "Being so far away, I only get to see her once every two months right now.

"It was probably the toughest decision I've ever had to make. I really like the school and I love the kids and the parents. It's tough for me to leave."

Lacey said he plans on telling the players of his decision in a meeting on Thursday morning.

Lacey became Skyline's first-ever coach two years ago and the Hawks went 7-16 in their opening season. Lacey said he was used to winning and the first season was difficult for him as he tried to teach the players how to win.

"I wanted them to hate losing more than they loved winning," Lacey said. "I wanted them to have that winning mentality. In the offseason they came in and they did all the things they needed to do to be successful and that's why were able to make regionals this year. That work ethic that they needed has been instilled in them."

The Hawks entered the district tournament as the seventh seed, but peaked at the right time and advanced all the way to the finals. Skyline lost to Handley in the Region II quarterfinals to finish the season 14-12.

Lacey said he was very proud of what the team achieved last year.

"When I started I came up with a five-year plan, and when I looked at where we were after last year, we were ahead of where we wanted to be on the five-year plan," Lacey said. "I think one of the biggest things that helped turn the program around was having the support of the athletic director and the administration. I think if you have that the kids will buy into the program and trust and respect you enough to buy into what you're trying to teach them."

Skyline athletic director Michael Patierno said he posted an ad for the job opening on Tuesday and the school wants to fill the position as soon as possible.

Lacey has a big challenge ahead of him as North Stafford is in a very competitive Commonwealth District.

"It's going to be tough, but I don't think it can be any more of a challenge than coming to Skyline and building the program up from scratch," Lacey said. "I know the expectations there are going to be high from the players and the parents. I'm excited about the opportunity of coaching at the highest level in the state of Virginia."