Demko takes over Quaker Valley girls basketball program

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, June 12, 2018 | 10:30 PM

Quaker Valley did not go far to find a new girls basketball coach.

The Quakers recently tabbed middle school technology teacher and former boys coach Tom Demko for the position.

Demko replaces Jill Brumbaugh, a former UConn player who stepped down after five seasons.

“Tom's head coaching experience, combined with his years as a teacher in the Quaker Valley School District and his understanding of the district, made him the top candidate,” Quaker Valley athletic director Mike Mastroianni said.

Demko, 49, guided the boys squad to the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals in 2004-05 and the PIAA semifinals in 2005-06. He went on to coach the Plum boys for two seasons.

Demko, a former Plum guard, played college basketball for Saint Vincent.

Demko said his goals are simple.

“We want to make the playoffs and someday hang up a championship banner in our gymnasium,” he said. “It may take some time to get there, but we have a strong nucleus of young talent with great attitudes, which will help us build a solid foundation.”

The Quakers have had only one winning record in the past five seasons. They made the WPIAL Class AA or AAA playoffs three years in a row before eventually moving to Class 4A under Brumbaugh.

The Quakers were 9-13 overall last season. Brumbaugh expects Demko to turn it around.

“The team will make the playoffs (next) season with what QV has returning and what the other teams have returning,” Brumbaugh said.

Brumbaugh said a highlight of her tenure with the Quakers was seeing them pumped after they won their first game last season with only one senior and 10 freshmen.

She said it was difficult leaving.

“I put a lot of thought into it,” she said. “It was in the best interest of myself and the team that I resign.”

Karen Kadilak is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley