Heath Neal was named head basketball coach for the Lady Blackhawks at a special School Board meeting Monday night. Neal has been the assistant basketball coach for the boys Blackhawk basketball team since 2013.
Neal was selected from 30 applicants after an extensive vetting process, assistant superintendent Keith Martin and athletic director Kevin Ramey explained. Former girls basketball coach Larry Walker resigned from the coaching position last month. Martin said the job was advertised on both the AAA and the school web sites.
Ramey said applicants selected were interviewed by a committee of administrators.
"We started with five, two backed out," Martin said. "After the process, it became abundantly clear who we wanted."
Neal earned his bachelor of science in kinesiology and has a license in physical education wellness and leisure. His coaching experience is 60-16. As assistant coach, he headed skill development among young players, developed a yearly schedule, coordinated summer player and skill development workouts, scouted, bridged the gap between junior and senior high school athletics, helped schedule games and tournaments. Neal was the head coach of the Blackhawk golf team.
Neal served five years in the United States Navy -- two years in Guantanamo Bay and three years in Yokosuka, Japan. He earned numerous awards including the good conduct medal.
Neal and his wife, Megan, were congratulated by School Board members and administrators.
Sports on 05/25/2016