Cleveland Heights hires Hansen as new girls basketball coach

Bob Fortuna, Plain Dealer Reporter, June 17, 2009 6:05 p.m.

Hansen, who recently resigned at Beaumont, was approved as Cleveland Heights' new girls basketball coach at Tuesday's school board meeting.

"I'm excited about the opportunities and the possibilities Heights presents," said Hansen, who will continue to teach health and physical education at Beaumont. "First of all, I want to get to know the players at Cleveland Heights and I want the players to get to know me.

"I also want to see the number of players in our program grow, too, because there's a lot of talent in the building."

Hansen, also the former head coach at Hawken and Nordonia, succeeds Liz Wilson. Wilson resigned last month after two seasons to spend more time with her 10-year-old son. Wilson compiled a 14-27 record, including an 11-10 mark this past season.

Amanda Blazetic will remain an assistant coach at Cleveland Heights but newcomers to the staff include Sarah Burgess and John Russo. Burgess is the former head coach at Lake Ridge Academy while Russo was Hansen's assistant at Beaumont.