Cloquet school board reverses course on girls basketball hire – Duluth News Tribune
The Cloquet School Board has appointed longtime assistant Jessica Youngren as the new head coach of the girls’ basketball program. The decision, finalized during a special meeting on June 12, followed an initial rejection of the hire by the board on May 26. Youngren, an eighth-grade social studies teacher in the district, replaces former coach Heather Young.
Jessica Youngren’s basketball background includes competing on Barnum’s 2010 state championship team and playing collegiate basketball at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Board Approval Process
The path to the appointment involved an unusual procedural delay. According to Cloquet principal Steve Battaglia, the hiring committee recommended Youngren on May 26, but board chair LeAnn Butler removed the item from the consent agenda for further discussion. During that initial vote, Butler, Melissa Juntunen, and Gary Huard opposed the hire, while Nate Sandman, David Battaglia, and Nichole Diver voted in favor.
Following further deliberation, the hiring committee maintained its stance that Youngren was the best candidate. By the June 12 special meeting, both Butler and Juntunen changed their votes, resulting in the approval of the hire. Board member Gary Huard remained the sole dissenting vote, citing his belief that the administration required a change in direction for the program that a former assistant might not provide.
Transition and Future Outlook
Youngren inherits a program that concluded its most recent season with a winning record and a berth in the Section 7AAA championship game, despite an early 2-8 start. As she prepares for the summer program in July, she faces the immediate challenge of replacing graduated standouts Nattie Butler and Lauren Hughes.
The transition from assistant to head coach often requires a shift in professional identity. While Youngren acknowledges moving out of her “comfort zone,” the continuity provided by her eight-year tenure under former coach Heather Young may offer a stable foundation for the team as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
What Happens Next
With the hiring process complete, Youngren is expected to begin working with the team during the July summer program. As a first-time varsity head coach, she will likely navigate the standard adjustments associated with leading a program, including implementing her own coaching philosophy while managing the departure of key senior players. The team’s performance in the upcoming season will be the first test of this new leadership chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the initial hiring vote rejected?
Board chair LeAnn Butler removed the hire from the consent agenda, and after a discussion, it failed to pass with a 3-3 vote on May 26. Board member Gary Huard stated he voted against the hire because he felt the program needed a change in direction that an existing assistant might not facilitate.
What is a consent agenda?
According to the provided report, a consent agenda is a meeting practice used by the board to group routine business and reports into a single agenda item.
What experience does the new head coach bring?
Jessica Youngren served as an assistant coach for Cloquet for eight seasons. Additionally, she was a member of the 2010 Barnum state championship team and played basketball at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
How will the team adapt to the loss of its top graduated players?