It had been widely speculated and rumored throughout this high boys basketball season that this would be the final year for Steve Yoder as head coach at Emmaus High School.
On Monday afternoon, he made it official informing the school and his team of his decision.
“For the last 16 years it has been my extraordinary pleasure to serve as the Emmaus boys basketball coach,” said Yoder in an email statement earlier today to Emmaussports.com. “During that time, my wife and I have been teachers in the East Penn School District.
“We raised our family right here in Macungie and we have called it home for the last 22 years. It has been, and continues to be the honor of a lifetime to serve the amazing students of the district both in the classroom and on the basketball court. However, it is at this moment, that I say goodbye to my time on the sidelines.”
During his tenure at Emmaus, Yoder, 52, coached in almost 400 games (399) and compiled an overall record of 238-161 (59% winning percentage).
His teams qualified for the District XI Playoffs 14 times and for the PIAA State Tournament on seven occassions. In the 2016-17 season, he led Emmaus to its deepest run in program history as the Hornets reached the state quarterfinals before falling to Carlisle 78-74 in double overtime at the Geigle Complex in Reading. Perhaps his finest moment as head coach came back in the 2011-12 season when he led the program to the Lehigh Valley Conference championship, a 47-44 win over Freedom at Allen High School.
This past Saturday, Yoder coached in his final game as the Hornets lost in the opening round of the PIAA State Tournament to Red Lion 78-65. Emmaus finished the season at 20-8, reaching the EPC Championship game and District XI semifinals.
“Over the last decade-and-a-half there have been tremendous accomplishments in the program, with many life lessons learned along the way,” pointed out Yoder. “However, none of the on-the-court accomplishments compare to the lifetime relationships that were forged with players and coaches, and the family ethos that the program provided for us. The love and commitment the athletes and coaches shared, built lifetime bonds that became a Hallmark of the program, and I hope made us all proud to be a part of.”
In closing, Yoder added:
“As I enter a new phase of my life, I want to genuinely thank all the players, coaches, parents, teachers, athletic administrators and community members who were part of this 16 year journey for their support,” he said. “I hope there are lasting memories for all and I hope that there are even bigger memories for the program moving forward.”
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Steve Yoder coaching career (2008-09 – 2023-24):
Year: Record (post-season)
2023-24: 20-8 (%) (&)
2022-23: 20-7 (%) (&)
2021-22: 16-8 (%)
2020-21: 4-9 (COVID year)
2019-20: 5-17
2018-19: 21-8 (%) (&)
2017-18: 14-13 (&)
2016-17: 22-7 (*) (&)
2015-16: 20-9 (*) (&)
2014-15: 12-13 (%)
2013-14: 18-9 (%) (&)
2012-13: 12-12
2011-12: 22-5 (%)*
2010-11: 15-8
2009-10: 11-12
2008-09: 6-16
(%) League tournament qualifier
*LVC Championship
(&) PIAA qualifier