Yorkville Christian Boys Basketball Coach Aaron Sovern Steps Down, Heads to Arizona

Sovern, who led the Mustangs to a Class 1A state title in 2021-22, cites health and family reasons for the move.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:54am

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Aaron Sovern, the head coach of the Yorkville Christian boys basketball team, has announced that he is stepping down from his position after 13 years with the program. Sovern and his wife Liz, who both held multiple roles at the school, will be relocating to Arizona at the end of the academic year, citing health reasons and the desire to be closer to their son Brady, who attends college in Phoenix.

Why it matters

Sovern's departure marks the end of an era for the Yorkville Christian basketball program, which he helped build from the ground up. Under his leadership, the Mustangs won a Class 1A state championship in 2021-22 and established themselves as a competitive program despite the school's small enrollment.

The details

Sovern compiled a 186-153 record over his 12 seasons as Yorkville Christian's head coach, leading the team to four regional titles and two sectional championships. The Mustangs played a challenging independent schedule, facing many larger Class 3A and 4A programs. Sovern, who grew up in Aurora and played at Judson, also served in various other roles at the school, including principal, athletic director, and campus director.

  • Sovern announced his decision to step down after the high school boys basketball season officially ended with the conclusion of the state finals.
  • The Mustangs' season ended on March 6 with a 69-56 loss to Bishop McNamara in the Class 2A Seneca Sectional final.
  • Sovern plans to stay with the school through the end of the academic year before making the move to Arizona this summer.

The players

Aaron Sovern

The outgoing head coach of the Yorkville Christian boys basketball team, who compiled a 186-153 record over 12 seasons and led the Mustangs to a Class 1A state championship in 2021-22.

Liz Sovern

Aaron Sovern's wife, who held multiple positions at Yorkville Christian, including teaching biblical studies and serving as the school nurse and cheerleading coach.

Brady Sovern

The Soverns' youngest son, who currently attends college at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jaden Schutt

A former Yorkville Christian player who led the Mustangs to the 2021-22 Class 1A state title before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he recently completed his redshirt junior season.

Jayden Riley

The senior guard who led this season's Yorkville Christian team and was named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association first team all-state in Class 2A, committing to SIU-Edwardsville.

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What they’re saying

“There's a litany of reasons. Health, for one, out west with the dry heat. We've wanted to move somewhere that's more warm.”

— Aaron Sovern, Outgoing Yorkville Christian Boys Basketball Coach

“It's not like I have anything lined up. I don't plan on coaching a high school team next year. I'd like to get into scouting at the professional or college level and hope to pursue that interest with some contacts I have.”

— Aaron Sovern, Outgoing Yorkville Christian Boys Basketball Coach

What’s next

Yorkville Christian will now begin the search for a new head coach to lead the boys basketball program, with the goal of finding a replacement before the start of the next academic year.

The takeaway

Aaron Sovern's departure from Yorkville Christian marks the end of an era for the small-school basketball program, which he helped build into a competitive force despite the school's limited enrollment. His decision to step down and relocate to Arizona reflects a desire for a change of pace and climate, as well as the opportunity to be closer to family.