Carrie Wagner named Chelan Girls Basketball Head Coach

CHELAN — Chelan High School has named Carrie Wagner as the new head coach of its girls basketball program, bringing an experienced educator and former varsity assistant coach to the Goats for the 2026-27 season.

The Chelan High School Athletic Department announced the hiring Oct. 12, citing Wagner's background in high school and youth basketball coaching, along with more than two decades of experience in education.

Wagner previously served as the first assistant coach for Arlington High School's girls varsity basketball program from 2007 to 2011. Her responsibilities included practice planning, player development and game preparation.

She has also coached at the youth and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) levels, including serving as an assistant coach for Chelan Youth Basketball's seventh-grade AAU program. In 2024, she was the head coach of the CBA eighth-grade boys AAU team.

In addition to her coaching experience, Wagner spent 23 years teaching in the Lake Stevens School District, where she worked as an elementary physical education teacher and department head.

She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in physical education from Central Washington University, with minors in health and coaching.

Wagner said her experiences with small-town athletics influenced her approach to coaching and her interest in leading Chelan's program.

“Chelan is such a special place, not just because of its beauty and opportunities for recreation, but because of the kindness, pride, and genuine way this community shows up for one another and its kids. Small-town athletics helped shape who I am, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give that same experience to our girls—to empower them, build their confidence, develop strong character, and help them recognize what they’re capable of both on and off the court. It means so much to me to invest in these student-athletes, continue the proud legacy of Chelan basketball, and give back to a community I truly love,” said Wagner.

Chelan Athletic Director Evan Reister said Wagner's coaching and educational background were factors in her selection to lead the program.

“We are excited to welcome Carrie Wagner to Chelan as the next leader of our girls basketball program,” said Athletic Director Evan Reister. “Carrie brings an impressive combination of basketball knowledge, coaching experience, and a deep understanding of the role athletics plays in shaping young people. Her appreciation for the Chelan community also aligns with our commitment to developing student-athletes who represent our school with pride and live out our core values of being M.O.R.E.”

Wagner will take over the Chelan girls basketball program ahead of the 2026-27 season.