News Summary

Montgomery Catholic has named Courtney Ward as the new Girls Varsity Basketball Coach following the retirement of longtime coach Jill Clark. A local hero, Ward has an impressive history in basketball, having played at Jeff Davis High School, Florida State University, and even in the WNBA. Her commitment to youth development is evident through her coaching camps and her experience coaching boys’ teams, making her a significant figure in Alabama basketball. The community is excited as expectations rise for the upcoming season.

Exciting Times Ahead for Montgomery Catholic Basketball!

In a thrilling development for sports enthusiasts in Montgomery, Alabama, Montgomery Catholic has appointed Courtney Ward as the new Girls Varsity Basketball Coach! This energetic change comes on the heels of the retirement of longtime coach Jill Clark, who has been a steadfast figure in the program. With ward taking the reins, there’s a buzz of anticipation as the community looks forward to a promising season ahead.

A Local Hero Returns to Her Roots

Courtney Ward isn’t just any coach; she’s a local hero. Originally from Montgomery, she played basketball at Jeff Davis High School, where her talent shone brightly. Under her sharp leadership, the team clinched a 6A State Championship. Throughout her stellar high school career, she was recognized with numerous awards, including being named an Alabama Miss Basketball nominee and snagging spots on the All-State Super 5 and the All-Metro Player of the Year honors. Clearly, she’s not just a coach; she’s a pivotal figure in the state’s sports history!

College and Beyond

Ward’s journey didn’t stop there. She continued to break records while playing college basketball at Florida State University (FSU). As a four-year starting point guard, she became a force to be reckoned with, ultimately earning the title of the All-Time Assist Leader and 3-Point Field Goal Leader for the FSU Seminoles. Moreover, she placed her name among the Top 25 All-Time Scorers in the program’s impressive history. Her hard work helped the team make several deep runs in the NCAA tournament, reaching the coveted Sweet 16 and Elite 8.

Professional Player to Community Leader

After her time on the court, Ward took her talents to the professional level, participating in the WNBA’s Seattle Storm training camp and taking her basketball skills overseas to Italy. Yet, her commitment to service didn’t end there. After her basketball career, she decided to serve her community as a devoted Police Officer, eventually becoming a Deputy Sheriff in Montgomery County. Her dedication and leadership were recognized in 2016 when she was honored as an ACC Women’s Basketball Legend.

Pioneering New Grounds

Ward’s leadership goes beyond just leading women’s teams. She has made history as one of the first women to coach boys’ varsity basketball in Alabama. At schools like Sidney Lanier, Pike Road, and Park Crossing High School, she has consistently built winning programs and fostered a culture of resilience and excitement among student-athletes.

Investing in the Next Generation

With her passion for youth development, Ward launched CWARD Basketball Camps, aimed at instilling disciplines, leadership skills, and essential basketball techniques in young players. For her, coaching isn’t just about winning games; it’s a chance to build character and create opportunities that shaped her own journey. Her reputation for fostering deep relationships with her players, built on trust and mutual respect, positions her as a coach who genuinely cares about her players’ futures.

The Excitement in the Air

The Montgomery Catholic community is buzzing with excitement over Ward’s arrival. Athletic Director Daniel Veres has expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead, seeing Ward as a strong leader who will elevate the program to new heights. Ward’s commitment to excellence, high expectations for her players, and the emphasis she places on integrity and resilience are sure to have a positive impact.

As Montgomery Catholic prepares for a promising season, one thing is clear: with Courtney Ward at the helm, the future of the Girls Varsity Basketball team is looking brighter than ever!

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