Turlock Christian alumnus Reggie Wright was official named the new boys basketball head coach for the varsity program on Monday, after the sudden departure of former head coach and Athletic Director Travis Thompson.
“Ultimately excited to be part of the program. I have been associated with TC for 20 plus years,” said Wright. “Honestly, in a weird way small school small time basketball has always been a dream of mine. My experience was so great, I made so many good memories, and I always wanted to invest or give back to the program that gave so much to me as a kid. I am thrilled about it.”
Wright, who graduated from Turlock Christian in 2005, has seen his career path take him to various places.
Wright was on Thompson’s staff during the history-making previous season, however, as a former player, Wright and his teammates made some history of their own back in the day.
During Wright’s senior year at TC, the Eagles were 26-2 during the regular season and 18-0 in league as they went into the postseason with high expectations, but were upset in the opening round of playoffs.
Wright never forgot that, and that drive and motivation looks to continue to burn inside him despite so much success back in his days.
From 2012 through 2015, Wright was the head coach for Stone Ridge Christian — known league foes of Turlock Christian.
Last season, the TC varsity team went 17-15 overall and at 5-7 in league play, squeaking into playoffs and making it a run to remember.
They upset the No. 1 and No. 4 seeds in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, earning a berth to their first ever Sac-Joaquin Section Championship (D-VI).
“The team got to play at the Kings’ court in Sacramento; it was exciting,” he said of the experience.
Wright looks to continue giving back to his alma mater and more, thinking long term considering the program has seen over four coaches in the last four seasons.
Stability looks to be one of the key focal points for Wright and his staff.
“I think there is talent coming up, some interest and guys that are coachable and willing to work,” said Wright. “I just want to instill in the guys confidence in whatever game plan and their ability to execute. Their greatest opponent is themselves. Our goal is to win every day, whether it is practice or summer league game, we want to focus on winning every day and the rest falls into place.”
The progress started last week, since Wright said the team is behind in the offseason program.