This year’s varsity boys basketball head coach, Zac Rich, and varsity girls basketball coach, Leslie Boyd, were greeted with much excitement and welcomed into the Viking family. They have brought about a fresh start for both teams, providing new strategies and style of play to the game.
Zac Rich has 12 seasons of experience as the former assistant coach for Dorman High School’s boys varsity basketball team before transferring to Spartanburg High School this year. Although Rich has only been a part of the Viking family for a short period of time, he has already made his mark on the SHS basketball program, creating a certain spark and high-energy atmosphere within the players. There is no doubt that he can – and will – make something special out of this group of young men.
Returning senior, Brailun Thomas(12) sees the transformation of the SHS boys basketball program and is excited for what is to come next.
“He (Coach Rich) has brought a lot of positive energy and confidence to the team and has turned our program around in one year. He has taught us so much, but most importantly lessons about life,” Thomas said.
Leslie Boyd has eight seasons of coaching history at Chapman High School as head coach for the girls varsity basketball team before transferring to SHS. So far, she has certainly instilled a culture that has pillars of hard work, support and accountability for the Lady Vikings. The young women are tough, resilient and hungry for what awaits them. Boyd embodies the idea that good team chemistry is a crucial part to a team’s success, creating a unique bond that will translate to the court.
Varsity girls basketball assistant coach, Andy Lopez, is also a new addition to the program and expresses how excited the coaching staff is for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the young women’s lives on and off the court.
“Our players have been excellent in accepting the expectations we’ve placed on them in embodying ‘The Sisterhood.’ We as a program, from coaches to players to the training staff to our fantastic supporters, expect to win games and be consistently great,” Lopez said. “We won’t be satisfied ‘just doing better than last year’ or previous years. They accept that expectation and welcome it. They understand Coach Boyd’s vision and see where it could lead them.”
The new coaches have truly empowered both teams by creating motivational goals to becoming champions on the court, in the community, and in life.
Athletic Director Todd Staley is grateful for the new coaches and is excited about how well they have adapted thus far.
“I think both coaches are doing phenomenal jobs with the basketball programs. Beyond the wins and the losses, they are building culture within their programs that will last for years,” Staley said.
