Mayville High School’s basketball program is turning a familiar page this winter with one of its own leading the way. A Mayville graduate and former player, Emmit Hurtienne, has been named the new head coach of the varsity boys’ basketball team — a role he says feels like coming home.
“I was inspired to take on the role of head coach because of the relationships I built with the players and staff while serving as an assistant coach last year,” he said. “Graduating from Mayville and having been part of this program, it’s a great opportunity to give back and stay connected to the community where I was raised.”
Over the past six years, Hurtienne has built a strong foundation in coaching at multiple levels. He started at the middle school level with the DC Deer Basketball Traveling Team and Mayville CBA before joining the Wisconsin Blizzard AAU program during college. There, he coached athletes from several area schools — including Mayville, Lomira, Horicon, Oakfield, and Waupun. Most recently, he returned to his roots as a varsity assistant coach with the Cardinals, helping develop players and shape the program’s next generation.
As he steps into his first season as head coach, his focus is on more than just wins and losses. “This season, my goal is to shape a positive team culture and mindset,” he said. “Coaching is about helping players develop habits and core values that last a lifetime. We’ll be emphasizing grit, integrity, teamwork, and self-efficacy — lessons that extend beyond the court.”
With an athletic and vocal group returning, Hurtienne sees plenty of potential. “This team plays fast and with a lot of energy,” he noted. “We’re working on being more deliberate — learning to control the pace, make smarter reads, and become more confident shooters. We want to play with purpose.”
Leadership development will also be a cornerstone of his program. The team’s captains will be selected through an interview process that includes an application, staff interview, and evaluation during early practices. “Leadership looks different for every player,” he explained. “Captains aren’t necessarily the most skilled athletes — they’re the ones who lead by example and elevate those around them. Communication, consistency, and support for teammates are what make a great leader.”
As the Cardinals prepare to tip off the season, Hurtienne brings both hometown pride and a fresh perspective — eager to continue building on Mayville’s basketball tradition while helping young athletes grow into leaders on and off the court.
The Cardinals' season starts on the road with a tournament in Sheboygan, November 28-29, 2025.
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