Back to her roots.
That is how Jessica Darmelio sums up leaving Franklin College to head back to the high school coaching ranks.
After spending three seasons as the head women’s basketball coach at Franklin College, Darmelio was introduced last week as the new girl’s basketball coach at Carmel High School.
“I’m excited to be back in high school basketball and to get back to my roots a little. I think that Carmel has it all — great facilities, support of student athletes, resources, and a great town to build and grow a winning culture,” Darmelio told Indiana Preps.
Darmelio, who went 40-36 at Franklin, cut her coaching teeth at Clinton Prairie, where she was 51-21 in three seasons. From there, she went to Martinsville and then Perry Meridian, leading the Falcons to a sectional title appearance before moving on to Marian University before Franklin.
The veteran coach admits she isn’t nervous, but rather anxious to get started with the Greyhounds.
“I am just anxious to get started and to learn my kids in the program. Excited to put the work in the gym and figure out what style of play will be the best for us moving forward,” Darmelio said.
She acknowledged she isn’t too familiar with her team now, but knows the team will be hardworking and ready to get to work.
“I am excited to get into the gym with them and see what we can put together. Goal coming in will be to build relationships with the girls and community. The basketball part will come after that. I am grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to not only working with the girls, but the administration and other coaches at Carmel,” Darmelio said.