Kara Bacile Named VISAA State Coach of the Year

Coach Bacile, who joined the school community in 2019, has racked up an impressive coaching record at Steward, beginning with her first season as a Spartan coach, when the varsity girls basketball team won the TCIS Tournament. In 2020, the team won the VISAA DII State Championship, followed by the 2021 VISAA DII State Invitational Championship. This year, they finished the season as the #2 team in the state. 

“Our girls had a great season this year,” said Coach Bacile. “Every year, we schedule tough, out-of-conference opponents early on to help us see where we stack up and what we need to improve on.”

 

Having three seniors in the starting lineup, she said, was helpful because “that experience just can’t be taught. They each have been in our program for years and know exactly what is expected of them and understand all we are trying to execute. As a coach, that makes life a lot easier!”

In the State Championship game, Steward played Virginia Academy, which has won six consecutive state titles. 

“They’re an impressive, well-coached team that plays a national schedule and has multiple Division I players on the roster,” noted Coach Bacile. “It was a close game throughout, and our Spartans made big shots and competed hard. Savannah Martin ’27 had 22 points to lead the way for us, and Lilly Thoman ’26 had 17 points and 7 assists. We lost 57-68, but I credit our girls for putting in the work that allowed them to perform by the time we hit that stage.” The exciting game was featured in the February 28 Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Three members of this year’s team achieved impressive milestones. 

Lilly achieved an astonishing 500 career assists.

“Lilly is the first in Steward’s program history to achieve 500 career assists,” said Coach Bacile. “As a point guard, that is the ultimate. She is so pass-first and puts everyone in the best position to score and be successful, even if that means taking a shot away from herself.” Kudos to Lilly, who was also named VISAA DII First Team All-State!  

Ella Grace Saunders ’26 hit her 1,000th career point.

“Ella Grace has been with us for six years – playing varsity for five years – and for her to achieve 1,000 career points is so rewarding!” said Coach Bacile. “She has always been the teammate who puts everyone else first and does the hard work that makes the team better … I couldn’t be more excited that we can celebrate her for this milestone.” In February, Ella Grace was interviewed by the Richmond Times-Dispatch in conjunction with the Sports Backers All-Stars program. 

Savannah also hit her 1,000th career point during the state championship game.

Coach Bacile noted, “Savannah had set a goal to achieve 1,000 career points this season, and for her to hit that mark in our final game of the season was really cool! It was really rewarding to see her determination pay off. She hit that milestone in three seasons, too, which is very impressive.” Just as impressive: Savannah was also named VISAA DII First Team All-State!  

Athletics, said Coach Bacile, can enhance a student’s school experience. Student-athletes learn to test their limits, handle adversity, and overcome difficulties in ways that they can tap into for the rest of their lives. They often make lifelong friends, too.

“Athletics teaches young people to be great teammates, learn accountability, and become responsible in ways that other arenas cannot,” she said. “It is also the most genuine, organic way to foster school spirit!”

Asked what she finds most fulfilling about coaching, Coach Bacile didn’t hesitate.

“It’s the relationships with the players, coaches, and families,” she said. “Some of my best friendships and closest relationships have come from coaching. To work with the students and watch them develop on and off the court is so rewarding – and so much fun! I love helping them reach their potential.”