Robin Newsome, a cornerstone of girls’ basketball in Eastern Kentucky, announced this week that she will step down as head coach of Martin County High School after four decades of service.
A legacy of mentorship and community
During her seven-year tenure she compiled a 135-67 record, climbing to the top of the 15th Region’s all-time win list with 562 career victories, a milestone that places her among the most successful coaches in the state’s history.
Before turning to coaching, Newsome starred at Sheldon Clark, where she steered the team to a 96-8 record, captured four straight state tournament appearances and earned the distinction of Kentucky’s leading scorer in her senior year with an average of 32 points per game.
Her contributions earned her induction into both the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Kentucky Basketball Hall of Fame a decade later, honors that reflect not only her on-court success but also the respect she garnered from peers and administrators.
In a heartfelt retirement letter she thanked her family — husband, daughters Boo and Katelyn, and sisters Joan and Nanny — as well as Superintendent James, the Martin County Board of Education, and the broader school community for their unwavering support.
She also expressed gratitude to her assistant coaches, former mentors, trainers, bus drivers, teachers and sponsors, and to the loyal fans who have cheered her teams for years, acknowledging that the relationships forged over her career have been the true reward.
While she fell short of her ultimate goal — a state championship — Newsome said Martin County basketball will always hold a special place in her heart, and she remains confident that the program will continue to thrive under new leadership.