The Grand County High School girls basketball team ended their season in February with a final tally of 14 wins to 8 losses, continuing the team’s massive improvements in recent years.
“[It’s] one of the best records in history at Grand County High,” said head coach Andrea Noyes. “The girls are dedicated and work hard day in and day out. I am so proud of the program and the hard work we have all put in to get it to this point.”
One of the things that has made her a great coach is that Noyes has had her father, Rick Lopez, by her side.
“My dad has coached on and off for the district for many years,” said Noyes. “He carries a great wealth of knowledge about the game and there is no one else I would trust more by my side so I asked him to be my assistant.”
The GCHS Red Devils team even faced off against Telluride, the school the elder Lopez played for.
“Having the opportunity to coach the Grand County Devils side by side with my dad in the place basketball all started for my family is something I will never forget,” Noyes said.
The triumph is bittersweet, as this year is her last as head coach. She is stepping away to spend time with family including her daughter, Josalyn Murphy, who has been on the basketball team and graduates this year.
“I feel really good about walking away from the program and the state in which we are leaving it. We had the opportunity to take a losing program and turn it into one we are proud of,” she said.
Noyes said that she will be supporting the program from the sidelines, and “I am sure, finding my way back to the coaching bench someday.”
