Longtime Trinity girls basketball coach Kristi Britten has been relieved of her duties after an 18-year tenure, according to a recent announcement. The decision came as a shock to Britten herself and the wider community, given her significant achievements leading the team into the PIAA 3A quarterfinals last month. Following a meeting with Trinity President John Cominsky, Britten was informed that the school administration intended to steer the program in a different direction. Despite this abrupt change, no further reasons were provided for her dismissal.

Britten’s journey at Trinity began long before she took the helm as head coach in 2008. Having served as an assistant under legendary coach Harry DeFrank for a decade, she inherited a program steeped in tradition and success. While many might have thought it impossible to build upon DeFrank’s legacy—marked by nine District 3 titles and two PIAA championships—Britten carved out her own path. Her approach blended a fun-loving atmosphere with relentless competitiveness, yielding numerous victories and championship runs. Most recently, she achieved her 300th career win in early January, a testament to her enduring impact on the sport.

In the 2024-25 season alone, Britten led the Shamrocks to their seventh 20-win campaign and eighth District 3 title, culminating in another state tournament appearance. Although they fell short in the quarterfinals against Shady Side Academy, finishing with a respectable 21-7 record, Britten’s influence extended beyond wins and losses. Recognized as Mid-Penn Capital Division Coach of the Year for the year, she consistently emphasized life lessons alongside basketball skills, aiming to mold players into strong, goal-oriented individuals.

Throughout her career, Britten amassed an impressive overall record of 313-154, including 13 state tournament appearances. She even earned the prestigious 3A Coach of the Year award in 2022. Her departure leaves a void not only in terms of coaching excellence but also in the nurturing environment she cultivated for young athletes over nearly two decades.

The sudden nature of Britten's exit has left many within the Trinity community questioning the rationale behind such a move. Despite multiple attempts to reach out to key figures at the school, including athletic director Alanna Stuart and principal Eileen Poplaski, answers remain elusive. As the Easter break temporarily halts communication efforts, the future direction of the girls' basketball program remains uncertain.

Kristi Britten's legacy at Trinity extends far beyond the scoreboard. Her ability to inspire and guide young women toward both athletic and personal success will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. As the school moves forward, the challenge lies in maintaining the high standards and values established during her remarkable tenure as head coach.