KEARNEY, Neb. - There's a major shake-up happening with a girls basketball powerhouse in central Nebraska.

Kearney Catholic head coach Rick Petri is resigning after nearly 30 years of leading the Stars. During Petri's time coaching up the girls at Cope Coliseum, Kearney Catholic racked up 514 victories, which is the highest total in program history.

Petri's career includes two state championships, a Nebraska Girls Basketball Coach of the Year honor, a Ken Cook Award, and recognition as a finalist for the NHSACA National Coach of the Year in girls hoops.

“Over the past 28 years, I’ve been fortunate to create innumerable meaningful memories-from games and practices to road trips, and most importantly the tremendous student athletes I have had the privilege to coach," Petri said in a statement. "Thanks to my family especially my wife Kathy who has been beside me through the ups and downs and my children Kaitlin and Collin who have made this journey with me. I would also thank the great assistants that have been a part of my career.”

Petri went 577 and 207 over the course of his coaching career, and will remain at Kearney Catholic as the Athletics Director.

Assistant Coach Emily DeVall is taking over the program. She's been an assistant at KCHS for one season and spent several at Kearney High from 2007 to 2011.

“I cannot wait to get in the gym and build memories and championships through hard work, determination, and grit,” DeVall said.

DeVall has served as the Director of the Teacher Scholars Academy at the University of Nebraska-Kearney since 2019.

“I would like to thank Coach Petri for his commitment to Kearney Catholic and to the multiple generations of student athletes," principal Matt Rogers said. "We look forward to seeing Coach DeVall continue the tradition of excellence that has been set by Coach Petri.”