Staff Reports

GADSDEN – Gadsden State Community College has named Jason Presley as assistant coach for the women’s basketball program.

Presley brings nearly three decades of coaching experience to Gadsden State, including successful roles at Gaston, Geraldine, and Hokes Bluff. Throughout his coaching career, he has helped build competitive programs while emphasizing character, accountability, and team culture.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Presley to the women’s basketball family,” said head women’s basketball coach Eddy Norris. “His experience, leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes make him a great addition to our program as we continue building toward the future.”

Presley’s coaching journey began in 1996 as the junior varsity boys basketball coach at Gaston High School. At age 26, he became the school’s varsity boys coach and compiled a 91-65 record over six seasons. During that time, his teams won two Etowah County championships, two area championships, a regional championship, and advanced to the Final Four.

Following his success at Gaston, Presley coached one season at Geraldine High School, where his team finished 19-9. He later spent 10 years at Hokes Bluff Middle School before becoming the varsity boys coach at Hokes Bluff High School, compiling a 59-25 record in three seasons with an area championship and two Etowah County runner-up finishes.

For the past three years, Presley stepped away from coaching to watch his son, Jordan Presley, compete at the collegiate level.

Presley said his long-standing relationship with Norris and belief in the direction of the women’s basketball program drew him to Gadsden State.

“Coach Norris and I developed a strong relationship competing against one another for many years,” Presley said. “My respect for Coach Norris and his commitment to revamping the women’s program influenced my decision to be a part of the culture he is building for the program’s future.”

Presley said his previous experiences rebuilding programs have prepared him well for his new role.

“I have been involved in rebuilding basketball programs and helping establish a basketball culture,” he said. “I hope to draw from those experiences as we continue building the Gadsden State women’s program.”

His coaching philosophy centers on using basketball as a tool for personal growth.

“My basketball coaching philosophy is to use basketball as a tool to promote character, lasting accountability, and team culture that builds habits that impact the lives of young people for years to come,” Presley said.

He expects players to maintain high standards both on and off the court.

“I have always told my players, ‘What you do one time is what you do all the time,’” Presley said. “That means giving as much effort to the smallest detail as you would the largest.”

Presley said he is excited about the potential of the current women’s basketball roster and the opportunity to contribute to the program’s continued growth.

“I have met all the players, and I’m impressed with the group as a whole,” he said. “With Coach Norris’s vision, I hope we can add to the successes of last year.”

When not coaching, Presley enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the women’s basketball program and the Cardinal family as a whole,” Presley said. “With Coach Norris’s direction, we plan on building a program that the entire community will support and take pride in.”

For more information about Gadsden State’s women’s basketball, visit gocardinals.gadsdenstate.edu.