Cliff Bauer is the new girls' basketball coach at Pearl River High, having transitioned from Pearl River Central, where he coached for six years. He takes over from Christina Hursey, who will assist him after leading the team for a decade. Bauer’s coaching journey started as a way to connect with his daughter, who plays basketball, and he has developed a strong passion for the sport since. At 44, he aims to blend his offensive coaching style with the existing framework at Pearl River while getting to know his players during summer league activities.

By the Numbers
  • Cliff Bauer coached Pearl River Central for six years.
  • He has been coaching for nearly a decade since starting with middle school teams.
Yes, But

While Bauer has a growing reputation as a capable coach, he steps into the role following Hursey, who has significant experience and success at Pearl River, presenting a challenging transition.

State of Play
  • Bauer is actively engaging with players during summer competition to understand their strengths.
  • He is working collaboratively with Hursey to blend coaching styles and strategies.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Bauer is focused on developing his team's playing style and fostering strong relationships with his players and coaching staff to build a competitive program at Pearl River High.

Bottom Line

Bauer's passion for coaching, rooted in a desire to connect with his daughter, positions him to revitalize the Pearl River girls' basketball program, but he must navigate the legacy left by his predecessor.