Clarksville, TN – Clarksville Academy is embracing a new direction for its girls’ basketball team. On September 10th, 2012, Head of Schools, Kay Drew, hired Jessica Grayson as the new Head Girls’ Basketball Coach. Grayson, originally from McMinnville, Tennessee, came to Clarksville in 2002 where she was a member of the Lady Govs OVC Championship team.
“When Jessica approached me that she was looking for a change, we couldn’t have been more excited. She will be an asset not only on the court, but in the classroom as well. Her faith and never ending support of her players is what made her a front runner for this position,” said Kay Drew.
Upon graduation from APSU, Grayson began her coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Valdosta State where she completed her MA in Education. She then coached for three seasons at UT Martin. As Assistant Coach for the Skyhawks, Grayson coached her team to the fourth seed in the OVC Tournament. The past three years, Grayson has been Assistant Coach at APSU. Her success there garnered the attention of many, including Mrs. Kay Drew and Athletic Director Jake Peterson.
“Her passion, dedication and drive for basketball and the students she coaches are what make Jessica the perfect fit for our program,” said Peterson. “I know she will be a great leader for our basketball program this year.”
Grayson replaces Head Coach Jerome Jackson, who coached at CA for three seasons. “Jackson was such an integral part of our program these past three years” said Drew. “When Coach Daniels came and asked my blessing to interview him, I knew he was going to a good program. He will truly be missed, but we couldn’t be happier for him in his move to APSU.”
Grayson is excited about this new chapter in her life and her first stint as head coach. “I could not be more excited to accept the responsibility of being named the next girls basketball head coach at Clarksville Academy,” said Grayson. “My faith and previous mentors prepared me personally and professionally for this opportunity. I’ve been coaching at the highest level for eight years now, and have been given a tremendous platform to mentor and develop young women. I will have the same opportunity to do that at Clarksville Academy. I hold the responsibility of representing the Clarksville Academy Community in high regard and I am eager to help young people realize their dreams in blue and yellow. I could not be more excited to be here.”
Grayson will continue her career as a Health teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach at Clarksville Academy on October 1st.
For more information please visit www.clarksvilleacademy.com.
