Bigfork High School head girls basketball coach Mark Hansen is stepping down.

Hansen spent the last six years directing the Valkyries program. “I’ve been coaching for 26 years. I was burned out, just needing a break,” Hansen said.

“It got to a point where I couldn’t sustain my energy level, so it was time to step back.”

Hansen, a Bigfork graduate, posted a 102-42 record with the girls’ team. The Valkyries won three district 7B titles and three 7B divisional championships.

He took the Valkyries to state three times. “Coaching is my passion. I felt like it was a good time to step back. At this point in time, it was something I needed to do for me.”

Hansen has accepted a position within the activities department at Bigfork as events coordinator. He will also continue teaching fourth grade at Bigfork Elementary School.

Hansen served as the Bigfork Vikings head boys basketball coach from 1996-2000 and was an assistant for several years.

He took the boys to two state tournaments. “Mark is an excellent coach and will be missed in that position,” Creamer said. “We are happy that he has chosen to stay involved with athletes at Bigfork schools because he has shown unquestioned dedication to Bigfork and its young people as a coach for 26 years.”

“I want to thank the community for their support,” Hansen said.

“I had a great run with a bunch of great kids.

“Hopefully, somewhere down the road I can get back into it in some capacity.”