For the second time in recent years, Auburn Riverside has picked one of its former hoops players to direct the girls basketball program

Athletic director Doug Aubert said on June 2 that Christian Miller will succeed Derek Pegram, who resigned in March to become the boys basketball coach at Stadium High in Tacoma.

Pegram and Miller, a 2005 Auburn Riverside graduate, played for Aubert when he coached the Ravens’ boys basketball team. Aubert also had Miller as a student.

In addition to that background, Aubert said, Miller’s popularity among the returning players helped separate him from other applicants.

“He loves the kids – he’s terrific with kids – he’s the kind of person where you point him in a direction and he goes full bore,” he said. “He’s got great ideas and is really smart.”

Miller said several players had asked him to pursue the job, which was the impetus behind his application.

“That meant a lot to me,” he said.

Miller, 29, remains close with Pegram – he will serve as best man at his wedding this summer – but said he had no intention of leaving Auburn Riverside, where he became a full-time art teacher midway through the 2014-15 school year.

Before he returned to his alma mater, the Central Washington University graduate taught in private schools for four years, first at the now-defunct Auburn Gateway and later at Green River Montessori. He said his teaching experiences have enabled him to work with students at every grade level.

But Auburn Riverside, where his wife, Amanda, (née Guis), played, holds special appeal. Miller is well versed in the program’s history, which includes three state championships.

“People know the Riverside girls program,” said Miller, adding that someone in Mexico recognized his affiliation with the team. “You can’t really get away from that.”

But the program also has struggled to retain coaches. Miller becomes the school’s fifth coach since Adam Barrett resigned in 2008, following Pegram, Tim Nelson, Terry Johnson and Ed Rosin.

Some have suggested the turnover is related to difficult, demanding parents. Miller said he recognizes “there is kind of a negative stigma to our program,” but is not concerned about potential issues.

“I’ve had a great experience,” he said. “I like all of the parents. I’m not too worried about that.”

As for the team, Miller will begin work with the Ravens’ veteran-laden roster during summer workouts. Only power forward Kiana Drumheller and guard Ali Thurston graduated off a squad that finished 23-2 overall, and 14-0 in South Puget Sound League 3A play.

As for the players, they won’t be watching game tapes to get an idea about Miller’s coaching style.

“I’m defensive-minded, which is funny because as a player I was completely like, ‘Let me shoot the ball every time’ I get it,” said Miller, who likes to use man-to-man and zone defensive schemes. “I just want my girls to play together and play hard. That’s really all I ask.”

And to be happy.

“He’s a very joyous person,” said Aubert, reflecting on a game-winning shot Miller celebrated against Enumclaw. “He makes basketball not just fun but very enjoyable for everyone involved.”