The secret is out: Kerry Stovall, who guided Christian County to the boys' Sweet Sixteen title last month, is calling it quits as the Colonels' basketball coach.

Stovall made it public on Thursday, but he, his staff and his seniors knew from the start of the season that this would be his last on the Christian County bench.

Stovall, 48, wants to spend more time with Natalie, his wife of 25 years, their 15-year-old daughter, Shelby, and 13-year-old son, Clayton.

"My son plays middle school basketball, and I've seen him play three times in two years," Stovall said. "My daughter's on the swim team, and I've seen her swim maybe three times.

"I want to be in a position that when Clayton Stovall is bouncing the ball, or Shelby Stovall is swimming, I'll be there watching.

"I love Christian County, and I loved being the head coach, but I love Natalie, Clayton and Shelby more. It's time to have a little 'dad' time."

Stovall said he thought about resigning last year after the Colonels lost to Scott County in the Sweet Sixteen quarterfinals. But seniors-to-be Anthony Hickey, Donovan Kates, Veontae Lewis and Marcoreyon Tandy asked him to stick with them one more season and go out as champions together.

"Think about the pressure on those four seniors, wanting it to end on a good note for everybody," Stovall said,

"For them to be able to finish at the highest level is quite a tribute to those guys."

In 10 years at Christian County, Stovall's teams had a 201-99 record and made six trips to the state tournament.

"It's been a magical experience," Stovall said.

Stovall was also head coach at Lyon County (girls), Dawson Springs, West Hopkins and Muhlenberg South.

"I'm not sitting here telling you I won't coach again," he said. "I hope to coach again, I really do. I still love it. But that's in God's hands, not mine."

For now, he'll stay on as Christian County's athletics director. His most pressing job is finding a new coach.