Seton Catholic Prep girls basketball coach  Karen Self has several statistics associated with her Sentinels teams that help qualify her for legendary status.

Those numbers include 12 state titles, 30 consecutive region titles and induction into multiple halls of fame, according to a news release.

Add to that the title of being the winningest coach in Arizona girls basketball history.

On Jan. 17, the Seton Catholic Prep girls basketball team defeated Globe, 78-8, earning Self her 833rd career win, sitting her at the pinnacle of Arizona girls high school basketball.

“It is incredibly hard to describe what passing a milestone like this means to me,” Self stated in the release. “I’m incredibly grateful to the amazing players and families who gave their all for the program.”

Self stated, in the release, that the support of the Seton Catholic community has been “overwhelming” and she’s thankful to have coached my entire career there. Self took over the Sentinels’ reins for the start of the 1992-93 season.

“Obviously, this could never have happened without my assistant coaches contributing immeasurably to our success,” Self said. “Most importantly, I want to thank my husband, kids, and extended family for all of their support. None of this is possible without their sacrifice.”

As is often the case with Self’s teams, the Sentinels took control of the Jan. 17 game from the opening tip. As the final buzzer sounded, the team and fans in attendance celebrated as their coach moved past Gilbert Highland legend Minor Webster with win No. 833.

Over her 33 seasons as a head coach — all at Seton Catholic — Self’s teams have been consistently successful on the court, having earned the AIA Sportsmanship Award multiple times.

There’s also a long list of her former players who have gone on to lofty achievements in terms of admission and academic honors at nationally known colleges and universities and professional achievements of their own.

“Coach Self’s extraordinary achievement is a testament not only to her remarkable talent and dedication but also to the values she instills in her players,” Seton Catholic Principal Victor Serna stated. “Her record-breaking milestone is a reflection of her tireless commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. I am proud to celebrate her success, which exemplifies the spirit of our mission excellence, leadership, and service to others.”

Self’s hard work and dedication have been recognized, having earned coach-of-the-year awards at the state level multiple times. She was awarded the 2019 AIA Leadership in Girl’s/Women’s Sports Award.

She was also named National Federation of High School Associations Coach of the Year during the 2016-17 season and was chosen as a McDonald’s All-American Game coach in 2020.

Self has been inducted into the Arizona HS Coaches Hall of Fame, Arizona Sports Hall of Fame and Chandler Sports Hall of Fame, according to the release.

She was recently named as an assistant coach for the 2025 USA Women’s Nike Hoop Summit.

“Having worked alongside Karen for the past decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable impact she has on every student-athlete who walks through our gym doors,” Seton Catholic athletic director Jim Shewbridge stated. “The historic 833rd win, making her Arizona’s all-time winningest girls basketball coach, is the culmination of over 30 years of tireless dedication to Seton Catholic Prep.”

Shewbridge stated Self’s success extends far beyond the scoreboard, as she has built a program he says is founded on integrity, academic excellence, and character development.

“Her legacy at Seton Catholic isn’t just measured in victories, but in the countless lives she’s shaped through her extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to developing strong, confident young women,” Shewbridge stated.

The school celebrated Self’s record-breaking achievement at its Jan. 21 home game against Highland Prep, complete with a reception after the Sentinels’ 58-19 non-region win over the Honey Badgers.

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