MEEKER | The Meeker High School girls basketball program has a new leader this season, bringing experience and energy to the court.
Eric Hamilton, a Craig native, began his career coaching girls basketball in Hayden before spending eight years coaching boys at Moffat County, including his son’s team and later his daughter’s. He returned to Hayden for the past two years to coach boys, but said he was ready to return to a girls program.
“I really wanted to coach girls again,” Hamilton said. “I had a great time in Hayden, loved those boys up there, but I’ve always been a fan of Meeker. I grew up in Craig, so I’ve been around here a lot.”
Hamilton has played basketball since he was young and continued into college. “It’s my favorite sport, and I just always wanted to continue coaching it,” he said. He is now in his 16th year as a head coach.
He describes his coaching style as adaptable to personnel, but said he emphasizes passion for the game, high intensity, fast-paced play, tough defense and quick offense.
Since joining Meeker, Hamilton said he has been impressed with the team’s dedication. “We got to meet the girls this spring, and we had a great summer,” he said. “We played quite a few games at all levels, went to a couple of team camps, and had a really good summer of practice. The girls just worked. They showed up. Their commitment was outstanding all summer.”
While team goals are still being finalized, Hamilton said he aims high. “Every year my ultimate goal is to make it to the grade eight,” he said. “It’s very hard to get there, but I think it’s achievable for this type of team. It takes a lot of luck at the end of the season, staying healthy and having things fall into place, but that’s what we want to shoot for — and enjoy the process along the way.”
Hamilton said he also wants to build a strong team culture focused on hard work and commitment. “Meeker instills that in their athletes,” he said. “The community is very supportive, and people really show up for sports. My culture is just to work hard, show up, and commit to the team, the family.”
Looking ahead, he said he is excited about the younger players coming up through the program. “The middle schools are loaded with talent, and we have a strong freshman class. I want to see basketball become as strong a sport as volleyball, getting younger kids just as excited about basketball as they are about volleyball.”
He praised the seniors for their dedication over the summer and said he is looking forward to seeing the team grow and succeed this season.
With a strong group of returning players, a talented freshman class, and a dedicated coaching staff, the Meeker High girls basketball program is poised for growth and success. Hamilton’s focus on hard work, commitment, and building a positive team culture sets the stage for a season filled with development, excitement, and the potential to compete at the highest levels. Fans and the community can expect a team that embodies determination and passion, both on and off the court.
