SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis Head Basketball Coach Vic Pitton has decided to retire from coaching the Troubadour varsity team and teaching at the school. He will be moving to Mississippi with his wife, Susan, at the completion of the academic year to be near his daughter and their two grandsons.

“Family is very important for my wife and I,” said Pitton. “We had planned on doing this and decided to move the time table up. We are excited to spend time with our grandchildren and watch them grow up in person. I wish I could have the best of both worlds. But, as I prioritize my life, God and family are No. 1.”

Pitton recently completed his 16th season overall in 2017-18. He led teams to a 2016 Northern California Regional title, 10 league crowns and three section titles during his tenure. Overall, his Troubadour teams earned 334 victories.

“It has meant so much to me to coach at St. Francis,” said Pitton. “I have received so much from the young ladies and the relationships with the players and their families. I have enjoyed the ability to put together competitive teams and the joys that accompany that. We have had a great journey and I have cherished my time here.”

The Troubadours had their most successful season under Pitton in 2015-16, advancing to the CIF Division I State Championship game at Sleep Train Arena. The team went 29-6 on the season, winning the NorCal and Delta League titles. He was named the Sacramento Bee and Delta League Coach of the Year, while tutoring three players to college scholarships offers, including Delta League Player of the Year Lauren Craig (Pepperdine), all-state nominee Tia Hay (Colorado State) and All-Metro honorable mention Kyra Huffman (Knox College).

“It’s been a real pleasure working with Vic,” said Athletic Director Mark McGreevy. “I’ve been most impressed by his extraordinary dedication to the personal development of his students and student-athletes.  He’s been so generous with his time and energy as both a teacher and coach, always committed to the intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth of his beloved Troubies.  I’m excited for him and Sue to be able to make this move and be closer to family.  He will be greatly missed at SF.”

The Troubies won six consecutive league titles from 2006-11 and each of the last three Delta League titles. The team also won section titles in 2007, 2008 and 2011. Pitton first joined the coaching staff as the freshman head coach in 1997-98 and has taught at the school full-time since 2005.

Heather Brownholtz will succeed Pitton as the varsity head coach effective immediately in preparation for the 2018-19 campaign.