GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College has named Jason Presley assistant coach for the women’s basketball program, bringing nearly three decades of coaching experience to the Cardinals.
Presley has held coaching positions at Gaston, Geraldine and Hokes Bluff during a career that began in 1996. His experience includes leading varsity programs as well as coaching at the junior varsity and middle school levels.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Presley to the women’s basketball family,” head women’s basketball coach Eddy Norris said. “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 began his coaching career 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 his tenure, Gaston won two Etowah County championships, two area championships and a regional championship while also advancing to the Final Four.
Presley later coached one season at Geraldine High School, where his team finished 19-9. He then spent 10 years at Hokes Bluff Middle School before taking over the varsity boys program at Hokes Bluff High School.
In three seasons as Hokes Bluff’s varsity coach, Presley compiled a 59-25 record. His teams won an area championship and twice finished as Etowah County runners-up.
For the past three years, Presley has been away from coaching while watching his son, Jordan Presley, compete at the collegiate level.
Presley said his relationship with Norris and the direction of the Gadsden State women’s basketball program played a role in his decision to return to coaching.
“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 experience with rebuilding basketball programs will help him in his new position.
“I have been involved in rebuilding basketball programs and helping establish a basketball culture,” Presley said. “I hope to draw from those experiences as we continue building the Gadsden State women’s program.”
Presley described his coaching philosophy as one focused on using basketball to promote development beyond the court.
“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,” he said.
Presley said he also emphasizes consistency and attention to detail with his players.
“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.”
After meeting the current Gadsden State players, Presley said he is encouraged by the roster and the program’s potential.
“I have met all the players, and I’m impressed with the group as a whole,” Presley said. “With Coach Norris’s vision, I hope we can add to the successes of last year.”
Presley said he is looking forward to becoming part of both the basketball program and the Gadsden State community.
“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.”
When not coaching, Presley enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.
