First Baptist ready for big year in athletics

James Island – It’s always a good summer when First Baptist athletic director Graham Haley does not have to spend a lot of time filling vacancies on his athletic coaching staff.

Some summers there are multiple openings while others there are few or none. Haley’s 2024 summer was pretty easy as he had only one coaching opening to fill. And that replacement was an easy find.

Volleyball coach Sabina Wang resigned during the spring to better care for her parents in Taiwan. Wang had built the program into a solid winner, making several state playoff appearances over the last decade.

Along her side in recent years was Zuri Fenderson, a key assistant coach. Haley says offering the job was a no-brainer.

“She played at The Citadel and had been here for a few years. She knows the game very well and more importantly, she knows our team and our players,” Haley said. “She is ready for this opportunity and the team already has had a good summer. I’m excited for her.”

Haley was happy to report than the remaining varsity head coaches are returning. With associate athletic director Presley Singleton, the athletic department is under solid leadership.

Haley, a 2003 graduate of the school, has devoted his entire working life to coaching and mentoring First Baptist athletes. He has coached at all levels of basketball, boys and girls. Prior to taking over as athletic director, Haley was a successful head coach of the girls basketball team from 2011-17.

When Haley went to the top spot, he hired Singleton as the girls basketball coach and associate athletic director. Singleton came over from rival Northwood Academy where he won state SCISA titles and contended for a few more. She has won numerous coaching honors and has the Hurricanes in contention on a yearly basis.

Mara Redmond is another key leader in athletics as an assistant while Brittany Lang is the athletic trainer.

Returning head coaches include Jamaal Birch (football), Ralph Lundy (boys soccer), Holland Fava (cheer), Lauren Langston (swim), Erin Jackson (cross country), Antoine Saunders (boys basketball), Alex Snider (baseball), Marc Simpson (girls soccer), Katelyn Powell (softball), Tim Tyler (track) and Jacob Redmond (boys golf).

“Our coaches are dedicated to their sport and to our kids,” Haley said. “We compete well across the board, sometimes with limited numbers. The athletes work hard.”