Drew Quinn steps down as coach

Drew Quinn has stepped down as Palm Beach Gardens basketball coach.

Quinn was hired by the school in 2014 after head coaching stints at Royal Palm Beach and Park Vista. Quinn, who has a career record of 117-101 in nine seasons of coaching, released a statement regarding his resignation.

“At this time I need to take a step back and reevaluate my career situation for my family,” Quinn said in an email. “Our teacher evaluations came back last week, and I was rated ‘effective’ despite my best efforts to move into the ‘highly effective’ area. This results in losing a bonus [50% more than my coaching supplement] for me through the states Best and Brightest scholarship, as well as impacts my raises moving forward.

“I take my math teacher job very seriously, and am disappointed. When factored in with the amount of time spent running this program, I realized I cannot effectively lead the young men I coach and love while I absorb the idea that I continue to put the interest of these young men in front of the wellbeing of my own family.”

Palm Beach Gardens athletic director Karyn Hart declined comment. Assistant James Lake will serve as the interim coach for the remainder of the season.

After going 6-20 in his first season, the Gators showed marked improvement in year two, finishing 13-15 with an appearance in the Class 8A regional quarterfinals.

The Gators were unable to return to the regional playoffs last year, finishing 13-14 after falling in the district semifinals.

Quinn, who spent four years at Royal Palm Beach and two years at Park Vista, led three different schools to the regional playoffs in a five-year span — Royal Palm Beach in 2012, Park Vista in 2013 and Palm Beach Gardens in 2016.