Grace Christian Academy is pleased to announce the hire of Mark White as Varsity Boys Basketball Coach.  The announcement from GCA Athletic Director, Gene Baker, is exciting news for the basketball program that has seen significant development and success, including its first State Championship win in 2018.

Coach Mark White, with over 25 years coaching experience and 23 at the collegiate level, has most recently served as the Head Basketball Coach at Tallahassee Community College since 2015.  During his tenure at Tallahassee, he compiled an 80-33 record and led the team to a new level of marked growth and success. Prior to that role, Coach White acted as Head Coach for East Mississippi Community College for eight seasons, where he compiled a highly successful 161-66 overall record.

With a high priority on character development and strong interpersonal relationships with his players, Coach White has seen a 96% graduation rate among his players over the last ten years at the collegiate level.  Thirty-four players of his players signed Division I Scholarships, and in 2017-18, his Tallahassee team was ranked as one of the Top 10 NJCAA All-Academic Teams. 

Several other collegiate coaches have expressed their support on the hire of Coach White, including Rick Stansbury, Head Basketball Coach for Western Kentucky University.  “I’ve known Coach White for 30-plus years and he has worked for me for several years, and I can’t think of a better person or coach to be in charge of the development of your young men.”  Assistant Basketball Coach for Kent State University, Mark Sligh commented, “Coach White has coached at the highest levels of college basketball and has embraced the importance of a Christ-centered approach to the game he knows so well.”  Head Basketball Coach for the University of Mississippi, Kermit Davis, added his praise for the new partnership.  “Mark White is one of the best coaches at any level in our game! He is a tireless worker and great communicator that will relate exceptionally well with his players and the entire student body!"

GCA Athletic Director, Gene Baker, described the benefit that Coach White’s experience will bring.  “Mark White checks all the boxes in our list of requirements for the next Head Basketball Coach at Grace.  First and foremost he is a man of devout faith who fits our mission to lead, build, and equip our students in a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Additionally, multiple head coaches, assistant coaches, and players echoed the same belief that Coach White is one of the best basketball skill instructors in the game.  And, finally, Coach’s vast experience at the college level from Mississippi State to his ranked program at Tallahassee Community College has enabled him to build a network that will uniquely provide talented Grace basketball players enhanced opportunities to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.” 

Coach White is excited about this new season of his coaching career with the Rams and connecting not only instructionally but relationally with players and students.   “I’m so excited to get to be part of the kids’ lives at GCA. It’s all about the kids and I want each kid to love being a student athlete at GCA.  Coach Clifford has done a great job of building a championship program and I am looking forward to continuing it.” 

GCA senior, Grant Ledford, is continuing to reach new heights in his basketball career as he recently became the all-time leading scorer in Grace Christian Academy history!  Grant has scored over 2300 points so far as the team moves into post-season play for 2019.

Grant was presented with a ball commemorating this accomplishment by GCA Athletic Director, Gene Baker, GCA Head of School, Rob Hammond, and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Brandon Clifford.

Congratulations, Grant, on reaching this amazing milestone!

Congratulations to GCA senior varsity basketball player, Grant Ledford, who hit the remarkable 2000 point mark in his scoring record!

Grant was honored before the GCA vs. CAK game on Tuesday, Jan. 8. He scored his 2000th career point on December 27th against Southlake Christian out of North Carolina in the WNC Holiday Classic in Asheville. 

When asked about coaching Grant at GCA, Coach Brandon Clifford was quick to note Grant's outstanding attitude and work ethic.  "Grant is a tremendous young man and a joy to coach. He is the model student-athlete and the type of career he has put together during his time at Grace is one that will be tough for anyone to match. He’s a great player, but an even better person."

Congratulations, Grant!  We're excited to see God's plans for your life unfold and know that He has great things in store for you.