Chaska finds itself in an unusual position: seeking a girls basketball coach.
Girls basketball coach Tara Seifert leaves Chaska after 16 years
Seifert led the Hawks to a state title and last season to the best record in school history.
May 4, 2023 at 1:05AM
Tara Seifert has stepped down as the Hawks' coach after 16 seasons. She was only the program's second coach, succeeding Bob Downs. Seifert served as an assistant coach under Downs before replacing him.
"It has been an honor to lead this program the past 16 years!" Seifert wrote on Twitter. "I have been blessed to coach so many amazing young ladies, have great coaches on staff, and to represent Chaska HS and it's community!"
Seifert guided the Hawks to their lone state championship in 2021, when they beat Rosemount 45-43 for the Class 4A title. The victory completed an 18-0 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The season began in mid-January.
The Hawks also reached the state tournament in Seifert's first season, 2008, and again in 2010. She compiled a 301-143 record, including a program-best 27-2 in her final season.
Downs directed the program for its first 33 years. He led the Hawks to four state tournament appearances, 1982, 1983, 1990 and 1998. They were the Class 3A runners-up to Minneapolis North in the last appearance. He finished with 440 career wins.
Six players plus head coach Garrett Raboin and assistant coach Ben Gordon are from Minnesota. The tournament’s games will be televised starting Monday.
