Wasilla boys basketball coach steps down after 13 seasons with the Warriors

After 13 years, six region championships and a state title, Ryan Engebretsen has stepped down as the head coach of the Wasilla High School boys basketball program.

“I felt it was the right time,” Engebretsen said. “There is never going to be a good time, but I felt it was the right time.”

Engebretsen said he has had some time to reflect about his time with the program since officially submitting his resignation and is at peace with it. He said he’s enjoying spending extra time with his family, and having the opportunity to focus on his wife and children.

Engebretsen said the 2019-20 season shortened by the COVID-19 concerns did not influence his decision either way.

“The hardest part of it is the fact I couldn’t get together with all of the athletes in one place, to not get all the boys together in one place to talk to the team, give them some sort of closure,” Engebretsen said.

Engebretsen said the time spent with his players is what stands out overall about his 13 years with the program.

“I’d like to thank all of the players I’ve had the privilege to coach for the last 13 years,” Engebretsen said. “Thanks for making the Wasilla High gym a great place to be year-round.”

Engebretsen said the relationship he and his assistants had with all of their players and the work of the players is what is most important.

“I think that was the biggest strength, the biggest thing we had going for us,” Engebretsen said. “Credit that to all of the success we’ve had over the my 13 years. Credit all the kids willing to show up on a regular basis with the attitude to really compete for your teammates. That was the biggest reason we had such tremendous success.”

During his time with the team, Engebretsen led the Warriors into 12 Northern Lights Conference championship tournaments. Wasilla earned six region titles. Wasilla also advanced to the 4A boys state championship game three times, and earned the 2018 state title. Engebretsen’s Warriors won more than 200 games during his 13 seasons.

“All of that was based on several guys coming together believing in themselves, having confidence to look beyond themselves and play for the name on the front of their jersey,” Engebretsen said.

Engebretsen said investing in every player was important, and the 12th player on the roster should feel just as important as the first guy.

Engebretsen also lauded the work of his assistants during his time with the team.

“They all believed in the same philosophies I had, but at the same time they were willing to challenge me,” Engebretsen said.

He also praised the Wasilla High administration.

Engebretsen is not leaving basketball entirely. He will remain involved with the Alaska BluGolds club program. Other than that, he said he has no immediate plans.

“It’s nice to sit back, play board games and hang out with the family,” Engebretsen said.

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com. Support local journalism. By subscribing you help local journalism continue to thrive. For our latest digital subscription information, see frontiersman.com/site/forms/subscription_services/