The most recent chapter for the Permian girls basketball program has come to an end.

Head coach Angela Braziel-Smith confirmed Wednesday that she was stepping down from a position she held since the 2009-10 season.

“This was something I had been thinking about recently,” said Braziel-Smith in a phone interview. “It was not an easy decision because it is a great group of girls but I feel like that this was the right move for me and my family.”

The 2018-19 season was all about growth and development for the Lady Panthers.

With a lineup of mostly underclassmen, Permian finished 12-19 overall and was in the mix for the playoffs until the final game of the regular season.

As for what’s next professionally, Braziel-Smith said she is looking to eventually make a move into administration. The Odessa native is not going too far away, however, as she will stay at the school as a teacher.

“I’m really looking forward to the next chapter,” she said. “With everything else going on, I just thought it was the right time to make this move.”

Even as Braziel-Smith moves on, she said she is excited for what the future has in store for the Lady Panthers next season.

With nine players slated to return, she hopes that whoever comes in to replace her is able to build on the foundation the team started to put together.

“We had a really young team last year,” she said. “I hope that whoever comes in to replace me continues to help the girls grow.

“It’s a great group of young ladies and I think the right person can continue to bring the best out of them because I think they have a lot of potential.”
