ACHS Basketball Coach Hired

The Alexander County Board of Education has approved the hire of Grant Hodges as the Alexander
Central High School Men’s Basketball Head Coach. Hodges will fill the position that had been held by
Cam Gant for the past two seasons, Gant announced his resignation in April.
Alexander Central Principal Jacob Lail commented on the hiring by saying “Coach Hodges is no
stranger to ACHS with his previous time spent here, we are excited to welcome him back to direct our
Men’s Basketball program. His coaching experience, along with his strong connection to this
community, make him a natural fit for the position.”

For ten seasons (’07-’17), Hodges taught and served as an Assistant Coach at Alexander Central under
then Head Coach Ed Wills. Currently Hodges serves as the CEO and Founder of the Carolina Riptide
AAU Basketball Organization which includes 20 teams ranging from eighth grade to eleventh grade.
Most recently, Coach Hodges served as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Lake Norman High
School. He was named the Head Coach of the Wildcats in 2019 and stepped down after this past season.
During his stint as Head Coach with Lake Norman, he compiled an overall record of 110-44 and led
them to three conference championships, three conference tournament championships, and one regional
final.

Hodges commented on his hiring “First and Foremost, I would like to thank God for providing this great
opportunity to be back in my home county teaching and leading the Men’s Basketball program here at
Alexander Central. I want to especially thank Jacob Lail (Principal), Nathan Robinson (Athletic
Director), and all the administrators for trusting me to lead this special program, it truly is great to be
back home. I look forward to working with the players and parents in our program to help each player
develop into fine young men, both on and off the court. I realize there is great community support for
our school and program, and I will work to continue the growing support.”

Hodges and his wife, Paula, have three adult children, Blan, Clay, and Reagan. Coach Hodges will begin
his teaching duties at Alexander Central in August with the start of the new school year.

Alexander Central High School Athletic Director Nathan Robinson commented on the hire by saying “It
is great to be able to welcome Coach Hodges back to the Cougar family here at Alexander Central.
Coach Hodges has been around basketball for a long time and knows that game very well. I know the
program is in good hands moving forward and that he will help our young men grow both on and off the
court.”