KETTERING, Ohio — Matt Madges, a key member of Kettering Fairmont’s girls basketball coaching staff during the program’s historic 28-0 state championship season, has accepted the position of head coach pending approval by the Kettering City School District Board of Education.
Madges succeeds Jeremey Finn and takes over a Firebirds program that captured the OHSAA Division I state championship last season while also winning Greater Western Ohio Conference, district and regional titles during Madges’ four years on the staff.

“This is both an honor and a responsibility I am fully prepared to embrace,” Madges said. “Fairmont has become home. The athletes, the families, the staff and the community have become part of my daily purpose.”
Madges brings more than 25 years of coaching and athletic leadership experience to the position. His work at Fairmont has focused on defensive identity, guard development, scouting and building the daily habits necessary to compete at a championship level.

He also has extensive experience developing players through the Dayton Lady Hoopstars, where he has spent 25 seasons in coaching and leadership roles. As director of the organization, Madges oversees operations, scheduling, budgeting, coach recruitment, player development and college-recruitment support. More than 100 athletes he has mentored have gone on to play basketball at the collegiate level.

“Matt possesses all of the right qualities and experience to carry your program forward,” said Dave Honhart, a longtime girls basketball coach who has worked with Madges at the Dayton Lady Hoopstars. “He is passionate, intelligent, strategic and diligent.”

His coaching background is complemented by a 25-year career in financial services, including leadership roles at various financial institutions.

“Matt has been an important part of the success of Fairmont Girls Basketball, and we believe he is the right person to lead the program into its next chapter,” Fairmont Athletic Director Chris Weaver said. “He understands what makes this program special, he understands the expectations that come with wearing the Fairmont uniform, and he has a genuine commitment to our student-athletes and this community.”

Madges is also deeply connected to the Kettering community. Both of his children graduated from Fairmont, while his wife serves as librarian at Kettering Fairmont Middle School. He is active in the community through organizations including the Dor-Wood Optimist Club and Kettering Leadership Academy.

“Fairmont Girls Basketball is special,” Madges said. “It is a program defined not only by winning, but by the character of the young women who wear the Firebird uniform.”

Madges said his vision is to build upon the program’s championship foundation while maintaining its emphasis on accountability, fundamentals, defense and player development.

“I believe a head coach must model humility, discipline and integrity while fostering an environment where athletes grow as competitors, scholars and leaders,” he said.

The Firebirds enter the 2026-27 season as the reigning OHSAA Division I state champions, with Madges now preparing to lead the program he helped build toward its next chapter.

Madges’ acceptance of the position, pending Board of Education approval, was shared with the Fairmont girls basketball team during a team meeting Tuesday evening. The meeting marked the first opportunity for Madges to address the players as their prospective head coach as the program begins its transition into a new era.