TRENTON — Tommy McGuire wanted a fresh start, but he didn’t want to leave the game of basketball.
He didn’t want to leave the Southwestern Buckeye League, either.
The Edgewood Athletic Department on Tuesday morning announced McGuire as the new girls varsity basketball coach at Edgewood High School, citing his experience and familiarity with the league as key factors in the hire.
“After 15 years at Madison, myself and my staff just kind of thought it was time to maybe do a restart for ourselves,” McGuire said. “The opportunity at Edgewood, the resources, the facilities — it just felt like the right time to make the move.”
McGuire added that the Cougars’ environment off the court also played a significant role in his decision.
“Something that really drove me to apply for Edgewood was the community support and the school culture,” McGuire said.
McGuire takes over for John Cecere, who will take on more administrative duties within the school district next year after coaching the Cougars the previous two seasons.
McGuire brings more than 15 years of coaching experience, most recently serving as the girls varsity head coach at Madison. His background in the game dates back further, as a three-year varsity starter at Madison before graduating in 2006 and continuing his playing career at NAIA Cincinnati Christian University.
Edgewood athletic director Scott Clemmons said McGuire’s experience across multiple levels of the game stood out during the hiring process.
“His knowledge of the game, how to build a program from K-12, and his relentless passion for the game is what makes Coach McGuire a great fit for Edgewood,” Clemmons said. “He has competed in the SWBL as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach, so he understands what it will take to get the Edgewood girls basketball program to the next level in the SWBL.”
McGuire spent the last two seasons leading Madison after previously assisting his father, Brian McGuire, and longtime coach Jeff Smith. During his time with the Mohawks program, Madison compiled a 78-61 record since the 2020-21 season and captured two SWBL titles.
He said Edgewood’s location and league fit made the job appealing. McGuire lives in Madison Township and said he passes Edgewood regularly on the way to his primary job at Marshall High School in Hamilton.
“It’s still close to home,” McGuire said. “It made sense for all of us. We love the SWBL, and we know the league.”
McGuire said assistants Tom Henry and Robyn Meinking are expected to join him at Edgewood, pending the school’s internal process.
Edgewood is looking to rebuild after losing several seniors from last season’s team — which finished 8-15 overall and 2-8 in the SWBL Southwestern.
McGuire said the Cougars will focus on fundamentals, strength and versatility as they try to regain momentum in a competitive conference.
“We’re going to get back to the fundamentals,” McGuire said. “We’re going to get in the weight room, get stronger, get faster and continue to try to play a physical brand of basketball because you have to play physical in the SWBL. Every night is a battle. There are no cakewalks.
“Culture has always been a top priority for my program, and we are here not only to develop basketball players but more importantly to develop well-rounded young adults into our future leaders. We recognize the long-standing tradition at Edgewood, and my staff and I are excited and thankful for the opportunity to join the Edgewood community. We are ready to get to work.”
McGuire said he is eager to meet Edgewood’s players and begin summer workouts.
“We can’t wait to get going,” McGuire said. “We’ve got some exciting things planned for the kids, and we’re hoping to build this thing over the next few years.”
