Real steps down at Burlington Central

Jenna Real resigned Monday as the head girls basketball coach at Burlington Central, her alma mater.

Real, the 2002-03 Daily Herald All-Area captain for the Fox Valley and Central's all-time leading scorer, was head coach for just one season and had a record of 13-16.

“Unfortunately do to a Reduction In Force, I am unable to continue coaching the girls varsity basketball team,” Real said in an emailed statement. “Combined with a position change in the district and getting married this summer, I am unable to continue coaching.

“It has been a great experience coming back to Central and having the opportunity to coach here, even if for only one year as head coach,” continued Real, who played at Loyola University. “Hopefully I will be able to coach again in the near future as it is very difficult to leave this group of good girls. There is a great amount of talent coming through Central High School and I am sad to say I will not be the coach. I wish the girls the best of luck next season.”

Real's departure means Central is looking for its fourth coach in the last five years. Stephanie Smith took over for two years after Wade Maisto served one year as interim coach when Darlene Guyett stepped down.

Burlington Central Athletic Director Steve Gertz said an internal posting will last until June 11 at which time the interview team will review the list of candidates and begin interviews.

Gertz will leave Central June 30 for the Athletic Director's position at Grayslake Central.