Elizabeth Uelmen-Johnston, a former Clark County athlete, is the new leader for the Washougal girls basketball program

A former Clark County athlete is returning to coach athletes in Clark County.

Washougal High School announced Thursday that it has hired Elizabeth Uelmen-Johnston as its new head coach for the school’s girls basketball program.

Uelmen-Johnston was the JV coach and assistant varsity coach at Burlington-Edison, helping that program to four state playoff appearances. She also has worked as a basketball official.

“Throughout our interview process — and since — excitement, energy, and confidence has exuded from her,” said Brian Wilde, Washougal’s athletic director, in a press release. “I think our student-athletes are going to quickly feed off of that excitement.”

“I have been involved in basketball most of my life, either playing, officiating, or coaching,” said Uelmen-Johnston, who played for Camas in the 2000s. “I look forward to sharing my passion for this sport and building on the strong basketball community in my new hometown of Washougal.”

Uelmen-Johnston is a science teacher in the Ridgefield School District.

Wilde said Uelmen-Johnston uses basketball to teach life lessons.

“She is excited to bring her experience, love of the game, and desire to create great team experiences to our Panthers,” Wilde said.