Trinity High School is pleased to announce that Bret Saxton has been named Head Varsity Basketball Coach of the Trinity Shamrocks. He succeeds Mike Szabo who has been unable to continue in this role due to health reasons. Coach Saxton assumed the role of interim coach during the 2023-24 season and guided the team to a berth in the KHSAA Sweet 16.
Coach Saxton graduated from Trinity in 2005 and played on the first Shamrock team to ever win the 7th Region. Their run ended in a triple overtime loss to Mason County High School in what some consider the most exciting game ever played in the Sweet 16. He also played on the first Trinity team to ever win the Louisville Invitational Tournament (LIT). Coach Saxton and his twin brother Kyle went on to play at Georgetown College for legendary coach Happy Osborne.
He returned to Trinity in 2015 to work in the school’s Advancement Office where he has risen to be the Director of Communications. Upon his return, he also joined Coach Szabo’s staff, eventually overseeing the very popular summer camps where thousands of grade school students have enjoyed learning the fundamentals of the game.
During his coaching tenure, the Shamrocks have enjoyed multiple invitational tournament wins including the prestigious King of the Bluegrass and LIT. He was also on the staff for several trips to the Sweet 16, including the 2019 state championship.
During his time as interim head coach, the team had a record of 15 wins, 5 losses, including several victories over regional rivals, captured both District and Regional tournament championships and advanced to the Elite Eight at Rupp Arena in the KHSAA state tournament.
Director of Athletics-elect Sean Duggins led the evaluation of Coach Saxton’s readiness for the permanent head coach role. In his evaluation Duggins wrote, “It is clear that Coach Saxton understands basketball strategy having demonstrated this from his own playing days and as an assistant and interim head coach. Player development is key in his mind. He has strong relationships with college coaches from every level and from his own collegiate experience is well-equipped to provide guidance for students who want to play after high school. Most importantly, he knows Trinity’s mission – who we are, what our values are and how we go about building Men of Faith and Men of Character.”
We congratulate Head Coach Bret Saxton.