David Dowse is Gilmer High School’s new girls basketball head coach.
Dowse was approved by the Gilmer County Board of Education last Friday. He will take over for Dani Wright, who coached the Lady Cats for two seasons. She resigned from her coaching duties March 7, according to GHS principal Derek Bowen.
“It’s extremely difficult to step away from the Gilmer basketball program, particularly the players and staff who have gone above and beyond,” Wright said. “We have grown close together as a unit, which makes it a difficult decision. As hard as the decision is professionally, it’s something I must do personally.
“I am proud of the program’s growth and accomplishments this season. I am very grateful to all of the coaches and players who have sacrificed and worked hard to make strides in development. I am wishing the best for these girls and their future.”
Wright’s two seasons at GHS were spent facing some of the best teams in the state on a weekly basis. Over that two-year span, at least four of Region 7’s teams were continuously ranked in the top 10 of Class 3A. She wrapped her time at Gilmer with a 14-36 record.
“We wish the Wrights and their family the best as they move on to their future endeavors,” said county athletic director Paul Standard. “We appreciate their time here at Gilmer.”
Dowse has 20 years of varsity head coaching experience and has compiled a 362-187 record. His most prosperous stop was at Lumpkin County. The Indians reached three Final Fours under his watch, won the Class 3A 2022 state title and were state runners-up in ’23.
Dowse’s teams have reached the state tournament 13 times. He spent last season at Mt. Vernon, but the Mustangs played a junior varsity schedule.
More information on the coaching transition will appear in next week’s Times-Courier.