WVU Basketball

Josh Eilert Thanks West Virginia, Mountaineer Nation

Published

2 months ago

March 13, 2024

Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

Josh Eilert, now-former interim HC of West Virginia, went to social media to thank WVU and its fanbase for the support this season. WVU AD Wren Baker announced on Wednesday morning that the program would be moving on from Eilert, conducting a national search.

“Mountaineer Nation,

“There were many narratives created this season. Many opined over me, this team, the administration. However, THE ONLY story that matters, as it turns out, is not about me as the interim head coach or this team, which experienced an unprecedented situation full of turmoil and hardship. THE STORY of this season is, in fact, about you, the fans.

“While there was much division surrounding this season, the team and me, you all kept showing up. Night after night. And in my estimation, that is what families do in times of need and hardship, and we are a Mountaineer Family. It was not always comfortable or fun, but you were there. The public and often harsh ridicule never outweighed the private encouragement or all of the faces in the stands on any given night – at home and on the road – and that meant more to us as a team, a staff and an administration than can be properly put into words.

“I am acutely aware that this season was not what anvone expected, from start to finish. No one is more disappointed about that than I am. The postmortem on that can and will be debated. There were the challenges you all saw and experienced with us, and then there were those that you did not; some so detrimental that they could not be overcome under the circumstances. But know that I did everything in my power to protect this team and represent this University to the best of my ability.

“I do not know what the future holds, and quite honestly, I’m at peace with that. Someone once asked me throughout this process if I regretted taking this position, knowing what I know now, and the answer was then, and is still, a resounding NO! We should all be so lucky to be put into a position to DO HARD THINGS, to be pushed to the brink and to expose what we’re made of or where we have room for expansion. There are so many opportunities for growth in adversity, and I hope these men take something from this season that helps them grow to be well-rounded people and athletes in whatever their next step is in life and beyond. I know I will.

“So thank you. Thank you for sticking with us when you didn’t have to.

“Thank you to the administration for its unwavering support every bumpy step of the way.

“Thank you to my staff members who sacrificed so much this season. Those of you who operated with integrity, loyalty and poise in the face of much turmoil and scrutiny, it didn’t go unrecognized or unappreciated.

“Thank you to the men on this team who, in the face of immense pressure and seemingly constant upheaval, kept forging ahead.

“But especially, thank you to my family. Without you four, this would have been impossible. You are all I want or need right now.

“I’m thankful for it all. The highs, the lows, the setbacks, the comebacks, the hate, the love. Everything.

“Full Benefit, Josh Eilert”