Schneider takes a step back as Lakes moves forward

Wins were lacking.

And so was respectability.

Pete Schneider changed all of that. Now, the coach who brought a winning attitude and culture change to Lakes girls basketball has resigned after six seasons.

"I am extremely proud of all of the great kids that I have had the pleasure to work with," Schneider said. "I am equally proud of the incredible efforts put in by some really great coaches. We came here knowing that the task would be large."

Schneider took over a program that won only two games in its first four seasons on the varsity level, often suffering defeats by double-digit margins. Lakes lost a state-record 83 straight games before beating St. Scholastica in the 2008 IHSA state tournament.

Schneider became the third girls basketball coach in Lakes history the following season and led the Eagles to 9 wins in his first campaign. They followed up with victories totals of 11, 12 and 17 the next three seasons, before going 5-24 in 2013-14. The Eagles rebounded to go 15-18 this past season with a roster that had only three seniors in Olivia Pawlak, Nicole Denman and Alyssa Brey.

"We (players, families and coaches) have made Lakes competitive and a program that you need to prepare for," Schneider said. "Not where ultimately we could be, but we have averaged 12 wins a season playing a very tough schedule, including (games against) perennial IHSA powers like Vernon Hills, Rolling Meadows, Fremd and Buffalo Grove."

Under Schneider, Lakes also became highly involved in the Lake Villa community. They helped run Special Olympics basketball tournaments and assisted the elderly during the holidays.

"I am most proud that we have been consistent in teaching some really important life lessons and have displayed a willingness to help and give back to the community," Schneider said. "I hope those programs continue, that the lessons have made an impact and that the Lakes community will continue some of those worthwhile causes. Lakes' basketball program has definitely grown, from the feeder teams being able to field full teams to the varsity teams getting some wins."

Schneider, who does not teach at Lakes, will remain involved in basketball.

"For me, it is time for a break," he said. "I have been coaching teams, running my own clubs and leagues, and doing personal training along with the founding and development of the N.I.G.F.B.A. (Northern Illinois Girls Feeder Basketball Association). All that goes along with all of those roles. I will stay involved at some level of coaching and will continue the shaping of N.I.G.F.B.A., but a little time off will feel good."