After 14 years, Silverman steps down at Larkin

After 14 years as Larkin's head girls basketball coach, Amy Silverman has decided "it's time".

Silverman told the Daily Herald Monday she submitted her letter of resignation as the girls basketball coach to Larkin athletic director John Young last week. She remains at the school as a physical education teacher, girls golf coach and assistant athletic director.

"The kids always commit 100 percent and I just felt if I couldn't commit 100 percent it was time," said Silverman, whose record as Larkin coach was 158-233. "This is something I've been thinking about the last couple of years. I just didn't feel it inside anymore. It's been 22 years."

Prior to coming to Larkin, Silverman coached at St. Charles, Geneva and DeKalb.

Even though winning has been hard to come by the last few seasons, Silverman's teams did win regional championships in 2002 and 2004 and she coached some of the better players to come through the program, including all-time leading scorer Kiley Holtz, who now plays softball at Eastern Illinois.

"I've seen a lot since I came here," Silverman said. "When I came in we didn't have a feeder program. We got the Junior Royals going and I've coached some outstanding athletes who were not just great basketball players but great people."

Silverman acknowledged the last few years have worn on her as her program has struggled on the court.

"The last few years have been tough," she said. "South Elgin opening was a tough hit for us. We had a lot of those kids when they were little.

"But I've loved it - I loved my 14 years. I've had great coaches who have become good friends. I'll miss the athletes and I'll miss the coaches. It will be different not being in the gym all winter. It was a tough decision and I wish nothing but the best for the program. (Former Larkin principal) Renate (Mattheaus) and (former AD) Val (McPeak) brought me in here and gave me the opportunity to coach at Larkin and I'll forever be grateful. It's been a great experience for me and I've enjoyed every moment of it."

Silverman's departure will leave Larkin with two new varsity basketball coaches. Deryn Carter was recently named to replace Larry Hight as the Royals' boys varsity coach.