Centennial basketball coach Weitz announces retirement

Longtime Nevada high school coach steps down after tensions with school administration.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:03am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic energy and movement of a high school basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.The retirement of legendary Centennial High School basketball coach Karen Weitz marks the end of an era of sustained excellence and multiple state titles for the Nevada program.Las Vegas Today

Karen Weitz, the head girls and boys basketball coach at Centennial High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, has announced her retirement after more than two decades leading the program. Weitz, who won over 800 career games, cited recent tensions with the school's administration as a factor in her decision to step down.

Why it matters

Weitz was one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in Nevada history, leading Centennial to 15 state championships. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the storied program and raises questions about the relationship between coaches and school administrators.

The details

Weitz took over as Centennial's head coach in 1999 and built the program into a perennial powerhouse, winning over 800 games. However, her final season was marred by an 'administrative error' that led to the forfeiture of 15 games, effectively ending the Bulldogs' chances of winning their 16th state title under Weitz.

  • Weitz announced her retirement on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Weitz had been the head coach at Centennial since 1999.

The players

Karen Weitz

The longtime head girls and boys basketball coach at Centennial High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, who announced her retirement after more than two decades leading the program.

Centennial High School

The Las Vegas high school where Weitz served as the head basketball coach for over 20 years, winning 15 state championships.

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What they’re saying

“The end of an era has arrived for one of the most storied coaches in Nevada high school history.”

— Las Vegas Review-Journal

The takeaway

Weitz's retirement marks the end of an incredibly successful era for Centennial basketball, but also raises questions about the relationship between coaches and school administrators, especially when it comes to high-profile programs with championship expectations.