Box Elder Public Schools has wrapped up the 2023-24 school year. With that, it was a soft goodbye to school superintendent and high school basketball coach Jeremy MacDonald. The 1997 graduate of his alma mater, amongst other prestigious diplomas he holds, will be moving to Michigan, where his wife Julie is from. He will be pursuing other opportunities in a school district for that state as well as coaching on the side.
MacDonald has had a prestigious coaching career with the Bears. His accolades include three MHSA State Class ‘C’ titles, most recently coaching his Box Elder boys to another perfect season in 2023-24. Along the way, he told New Media Broadcasters that his success was his community’s success.
“As far as being proud of some things here in North Central Montana, I’m very proud of the relationships we’ve built,” MacDonald said. “Friendships (with) other schools, other communities, other coaches, other fans.”
“We had a lot of support at the state tournament from people throughout North Central Montana,” MacDonald continued. “Basketball brings people together.”
“Obviously, three state titles, that’s something that I’m extremely proud of. I’ve been lucky,” MacDonald said. “Probably the biggest thing, though, besides basketball games is just the relationships and friendships developed over the years.”
MacDonald will move to Michigan in the coming weeks, but his plan is to return to Montana. He will be presented with the “Montana Coaches Association” Coach of the Year for basketball State Class ‘C’. The Bears went (26-0) and helped him become a three-time state champion coach. MacDonald reminisced about what it was like when he got the news and how forward he is looking to being there in person to accept this honor.
“I’ve been lucky to have this opportunity to coach Box Elder basketball,” MacDonald said. “We had a great group of kids this year that worked really hard (and) represented the school and the community well.”
“(We had) a really great coaching staff,” MacDonald continued. “(I’m) proud of the work that everyone put in.”
“Being named MCA Coach of the Year is quite an honor,” MacDonald said. “There are a lot of great coaches in our state. To be mentioned with that group (is) something I’m proud and humbled to be a part of.”
MacDonald said he will hopefully be back in town for the “Coach of the Year” ceremony. which is scheduled for Aug. 1 in Great Falls at CMR High School.
