After an illustrious 39-year coaching career, Melissa Hearlihy, the second-winningest coach in state history for girls basketball, has announced her retirement. Harvard-Westlake, where Hearlihy coached for 24 years, made the announcement on Monday, marking the end of an era in high school basketball.
Hearlihy’s coaching legacy is one of unparalleled success and dedication to her players. Last season, she led the Harvard-Westlake team to a CIF state title, capping off a remarkable career with a championship win. Throughout her tenure at Harvard-Westlake, Hearlihy’s impact extended far beyond the basketball court, as she focused on developing young girls into confident and determined young women, both on and off the floor.
Reflecting on her career, Hearlihy expressed gratitude for the meaningful relationships she has built with colleagues, student-athletes, and families over the years. Her commitment to the growth and development of her players has left a lasting impact on the basketball community and the communities she has served.
Hearlihy’s coaching journey began at Harvard-Westlake in 2000, following a successful stint at Alemany where she led the team to three CIF Southern Section titles in 15 seasons. Her coaching prowess was evident as she guided the Wolverines to their first CIF state championship since 2010, despite facing challenges and maintaining a .500 win percentage leading up to the title game.
During her time at Harvard-Westlake, Hearlihy’s teams achieved remarkable success, winning two state championships, four CIF Southern Section championships (including two in the Open Division), and nine Mission League titles. Her impressive coaching record includes 839 victories, placing her second in state history for girls basketball wins, just behind Mater Dei’s Kevin Kiernan with 900 wins.
In addition to her on-court success, Hearlihy’s impact extended to helping 18 Harvard-Westlake student-athletes reach the college level, further solidifying her reputation as a mentor and guide for young athletes. Her influence on the growth of girls basketball in Southern California has been widely recognized, with UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close acknowledging Hearlihy’s contributions to the game.
As Hearlihy embarks on the next chapter of her life, the basketball community will undoubtedly feel the void left by her retirement. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to her players have set a high standard for coaching excellence, inspiring future generations of athletes and coaches alike. While Harvard-Westlake has not yet announced a replacement for Hearlihy, her legacy will continue to resonate within the program and the broader basketball community for years to come.