Mason County Lady Royals head basketball coach Jay Fite has announced his retirement from coaching.
In a statement shared on X by WFTM’s Travis Scaggs, Fite said, “Through many heartfelt discussions over the past two months with my family and those closest to me, I have decided that it is time to move on the the next phase of life without the game of basketball. I am retiring from the position as head coach of the Lady Royals, effective immediately.”
Coach Fite took over as head of the Mason County girls basketball program at the start of the 2024-25 season, and led the Lady Royals to a 21-10 season record. This past season, the Lady Royals ended the year 18-10, picked up their first 39th District championship in three years, and advanced to the 10th Region girls basketball semifinals against the George Rogers Clark Lady Cardinals.
Coach Fite also picked up his 300th career win this past season, in Mason County’s 68-56 win over the Bracken County Lady Bears on Dec. 17, 2025.
Prior to his tenure as head coach of the Lady Royals, coach Fite was the head coach of the Lewis County Lady Lions for 14 seasons, from 2010-2024, and led the Bracken County Polar Bears for two seasons, from 2007-2008.
In total, Fite has a 25 year coaching career, serving 20 as a head coach across various programs. As of his retirement, coach Fite recorded 314 wins, his 314th a 59-42 victory over the Pendleton County Lady Cats in the 2026 10th Region girls basketball tournament.
“Obviously, this has been a very difficult decision to make. Basketball has been a huge part of my life for 40 years. This game has helped mold me into the man that I am today. I have learned how to handle success, and I have learned how to handle failure. I have learned how to celebrate, and I have learned how to show emotion,” said coach Fite. “Being called ‘coach’ is one of the greatest honors one could have. Therefore, I consider this an opportunity to celebrate. I am retiring from the game on great terms, and the time that will be spent with my family will be invaluable.”
Mason County’s 2025-26 roster graduated six seniors, including Carlee Buttery, Adrienne Downs-Perry, Ryan Hines, Olivia Hughes, Halle Pfeffer and Amirah Reed. The Lady Royals will return next season eager to compete under their new head coach, eyeing back-to-back district championships come Feb. 2027.
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