High School

Palmetto Boys Basketball Coach Abel Varnadore Steps Down After Four Successful Seasons

The two-time District Coach of the Year leaves behind a winning legacy, multiple championships, and a roster built to contend in 2025-26

Ross Van De Griek

Palmetto Head Boys Basketball Coach Abel Varnadore stepping down after four seasons.
Palmetto Head Boys Basketball Coach Abel Varnadore stepping down after four seasons. / Abel Varnadore

The coaching carousel across the state of Florida continues spinning this week, with the latest being Palmetto Head boys basketball coach Abel Varnadore is stepping down after four seasons, Varnadore posted on his Instagram account.

A Respected Run Comes to an End

Varnadore arrived at Palmetto High School before the start of the 2021-2022 season, after serving as an Assistant Basketball Coach with IMG Academy from 2017 to 2021. He also served as an assistant coach at Mount Dora Christian during the 2016-2017 season.

Championship Pedigree

During his tenure, Varnadore built Palmetto into a consistent winner, guiding the Tigers to:

  • Three district championships
  • Three regional playoff appearances
  • Back-to-back regional semifinal berths
  • A perfect 13-0 record in Manatee County play during the 2024-25 season

Over four seasons, he compiled a 63-38 record (.623 winning percentage), contributing to the program’s streak of six consecutive winning seasons dating back to 2019.

Recognition and Awards

Varnadore’s success earned him multiple honors, including:

  • Class 6A, District 10 Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2024
  • District 16 Coach of the Year by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association in 2023

Final Season Recap

Palmetto finished the 2024-2025 season with an 18-9 record overall and reached the regional quarterfinals before their season came to an end against regional finalist Wharton back on February 12.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers will have heavy expectations for the 2025-2026 season, whether they go for an in-house hire or an outside hire, they will retain four-star senior point guard Evan Roberts alongside his younger brother in sophomore guard (Christopher) who return to the program after playing the summer at Zephyrhills Christian.

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Ross Van De Griek
ROSS VAN DE GRIEK

Ross Van De Griek has been a high school sports writer covering the state of Florida since 2021. Ross also has been scouting high school basketball and Grassroots Basketball across the Southeast Region since 2022. Ross has been covering basketball and recruiting for High School on SI since August 2024. He has collaborated with Next Up Sports, Prep Hoops, and On The Radar Hoops throughout his scouting career. You can follow him on X @rossvdg14 or reach him via email rossvdg14@gmail.com for story ideas.

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