Amanda Aydt steps down as Mattoon girls basketball coach

By Kyle Daubs

Amanda Aydt has plenty of energy left.

She would like to dedicate that to her family.

Aydt, the 2020 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and longtime Mattoon girls varsity basketball coach submitted her letter of resignation this past week, which the board accepted.

“I resigned from my coaching position so I could spend more time with my family,” said Aydt. “My husband and I have three children. Maria is five, Conor is three, and Luke is about to turn one. Coaching takes a lot of time and energy, and I want to focus that time and energy on my family.”

After serving as the junior varsity coach for Jason Morgan, Aydt was hired as the replacement for him in 2014. In eight seasons, Aydt had just one losing season. In her first year, the team went 17-13 and that was followed by a 21-8 season and Apollo Conference title.

In her third year, the senior duo of Avery Jackson and Sierra Thompson led Mattoon to a new school record in wins with a 30-2 mark. Plus, Mattoon repeated at the Apollo champions and won the IHSA Regional Championship.

Aydt helped Mattoon rebuild the following two years. The 2017-2018 season saw the Green Wave finish 10-19, followed by a 16-16 record. Mattoon won its second IHSA Regional Championship in 2019-2020, as well as Aydt’s third Apollo title with a 27-6 record.

In a COVID-shortened season, the Green Wave finished 8-6 but rallied to tie the school record in wins this year with a 29-3 record, the Apollo Conference title, a Regional championship, and a spot in the Sweet 16.

Altogether, Aydt leaves Mattoon with an overall record of 158-73 and a 57-35 mark in the Apollo Conference.

As far as individual talent, during Ayd’s tenure, Sierra Thompson finished her career as the all-time leading rebounder, while Mallory Ramage broke the single game, single season and career scoring records, which had been records set for at least 25 years or longer.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to coach at Mattoon High School,” said Aydt. “I have been blessed to work with an incredible coaching staff as well as many talented players, and I am thankful for the help and support I have received from the administration, the faculty, the staff, and the community. It has been a privilege to coach at Mattoon High School.”

AMANDA AYDT OVERALL RECORD