School moves forward to find new coach
BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Shannon Lewis has stepped down as head coach of the Martin County High School girls basketball program just over two months after being named to the position.
Lewis said an opportunity closer to home prompted the move.
“It is with deep regret that I have decided to step down as the head coach of the Martin County girls basketball team,” Lewis said. “I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me but I was approached about a job closer to home and decided it would be better for me at this time. I was fortunate to meet some great people and I wish everyone involved with the Martin County girls basketball team the best of luck this season and beyond.”
Martin County High School athletic director Chuck White said school administrators respect Lewis’ decision and expressed confidence in the future of the Lady Cardinals program.
“We certainly wish Coach Lewis the best,” White said. “He had an opportunity come up closer to home, and he had to make the decision that was best for him and his family. There are no hard feelings at all. We appreciate the time he spent with our girls and our program. Martin County girls basketball has a proud tradition, and we’re confident the program is going to be just fine.”
The school is already moving forward with its plans for the program and hopes to announce the next head coach within a week, White said.
Martin County announced Lewis as the Lady Cardinals’ new head coach June 16 following the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Robin Newsome, who spent 48 years with the program.
Lewis participated in a meet-and-greet with the Lady Cardinals on June 19 and began preparing the program for the upcoming season.
At the time of his hiring, Lewis spoke highly of Martin County’s basketball tradition and the support surrounding Newsome and the program.
“I’ve known her throughout the years and I know how well respected she is,” Lewis said of Newsome in June. “We talked about the job and I feel like this is a great place that has tradition and a backing.”
Lewis, a West Virginia native, arrived at Martin County with a decorated résumé.
He brought a 359-146 career record, nine Class A West Virginia state championships, six AAU national championships and three state Coach of the Year awards.
Lewis had planned to bring an up-tempo, pressure-oriented style to Martin County and entered the job with goals of competing for 15th Region and All ‘A’ regional championships.
His departure leaves Martin County searching for its second head coach since Newsome’s retirement with the 2026-27 basketball season’s Nov. 30 opening date fast approaching.