One of the most successful basketball programs in the state of Nevada will be looking for a new coach when play starts this November.
Chelsea Cabatbat has stepped down as the Lowry High School girls basketball coach after five years at the helm. In addition to her varsity duties, she was the junior varsity coach for five years and also won a state championship with the Buckaroos as a player in 2002.
"When you know it's time, it's time," Cabatbat said. "My boys are getting to the age where they are involved in everything. I want to give them every opportunity to do what they want. It is time to be a mom and something has to give."
Cabatbat led Lowry to the 3A state tournament in all five years with the Lady Bucks.
Her first team, in the 2013-14 season, beat Boulder City for the 3A state championship. Lowry played in the 3A state final the last two seasons, falling to Churchill County in both title game appearances.
The Lady Bucks were in the state semifinals in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
"The toughest thing was telling the girls and the would-be seniors next year," Cabatbat said. "I told the girls I am not leaving and I will still be here. I will be in a different role and a fan. If they need my help or advice, I will help out in any way. Being with the program for 10 years, this was the best time to do it."
In her five years as head coach, Cabatbat was 105-38 overall and 68-12 in the Northern 3A. Lowry won at least 12 league games in all five of her years and was 16-0 in 2014-15.
Between the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, the Lady Bucks won 25 consecutive Northern 3A games.
Lowry claimed three consecutive regional championships in her tenure, which included a buzzer beater over Churchill County in the 2015-16 season. The Greenwave had beaten Lowry twice in the regular season.
In addition, Lowry was named the 3A academic state champion three times.
Prior to her first year as head coach, Lowry finished 8-17 overall and missed out on the playoffs.
"It was one of the toughest decisions I have made and thought about it for a while," Cabatbat said. "If it ever opens again and my boys are older, I might get back into coaching. I am ready to go to Hawaii in December. Taua (Chelsea's husband) has given up a lot. Because of basketball we did not got to Hawaii in December. It's tough when I have to tell my boys the day after Christmas that mom is leaving for three days for a tournament."
A handful of former players took to Facebook to thank her for mentoring them during their high school careers.
“I am so grateful to have played for you for my four years of high school,” said Jillian Albright, who was part of the state championship team and now plays at Eastern Oregon University. “So many basketball and life skills learned from you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. You left one hell of a mark on Lowry girls basketball and I’m happy I could be part of it. Truly the end of an era. Love you coach. Hopefully, coaching basketball finds its way back to you.”
Alyssa Dendary was also part of Cabatbat’s first team that won the state championship.
“Coach, you taught me more about life than anyone else could even attempt to teach,” Dendary said. “I am forever thankful to have had you as a coach, friend and mentor. Thank you for making such a huge impact on me, not only on the court but off the court as well. Love you so much.”
Alyssa Jones was a third member of the 2013-14 state championship team and moved onto Lassen College.
“Thank you so much for all you’ve done for us players and the program,” Jones said. “I learned more from you and the coaching staff in a gym then I ever thought was possible. Wouldn’t want to have been a part of any other team. Love ya coach.”
A search for a new coach has already began according to Lowry High School principal Ray Parks.
"Every year was special in its own way," Cabtbat said. "Winning the state championship was amazing. This year was a challenge with nine new girls. They bought in and believed in each other. It did not end our way. I have best girls in the world and loved seeing them. I am not going anywhere and will still get to see them."
