WO girls hoops coach Misty Cox to retire

West Orange athletic director Adam Miller confirmed on Friday that Misty Cox would not be returning as the head coach for the girls basketball team, instead opting to retire.

The school will begin a search for her replacement once the winter sports season has fully concluded.

According to Miller, Cox had informed him roughly a month ago that this current season would be her last go-around at the helm leading the Warriors. That means that her departure is not directly related to the recent cessation of West Orange’s season, which was canceled by Miller with four games remaining due to ongoing internal issues.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the conclusion of her final season, Cox has had an impressive career as a coach — she was the FHSAA Coach of the Year in Class 6A in 2001, FABC Coach of the Year in Class 6A in 2011, inducted into the Metro Conference’s Hall of Fame, inducted into the Boone High School Hall of Fame, named Coach of the Year in the Metro Conference five times, has coached teams to 10 district titles and four regional titles to pair with her four Final Four appearances.

“It is going to be very difficult to replace her and she will be missed,” Miller said on Friday. “Thank you, Misty, for your dedication, knowledge, energy and passion that you gave our program everyday. In my opinion, you will always be one of the best coaches in the state.”

Misty Cox’s overall record as a head coach is 394-132. Cox has coached the Warriors since 2009 and led West Orange to three appearances in the state playoffs and one district championship (for the 2011-2012 season).