Pride Exits James Clemens, Takes Mae Jemison Head Coach Position

MADISON- Howard Pride will still call Madison home with his wife and step-daughter, but, like many within the confines of the City of Madison, he will make the daily long trek to work as he has taken the position as boys’ basketball head coach at Huntsville’s Mae Jemison High. He was an assistant to head coach Danny Petty at James Clemens for the past four seasons.

“I really learned a lot from Coach Petty and this was a tough decision to make due to my having relationships with the players and their parents,” said Pride. “I had full anticipation to take over for Coach Petty upon his expected retirement after the upcoming 2018-2019 season, but this opportunity came about and is very important to my career in education.”

The 43-year old Pride was Alabama’s Mr. Basketball, 6A Player of the Year and among the State’s Super 5 in 1993 while playing at Huntsville’s now closed Butler High. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in human and organizational development and was team captain and was selected to the Southeastern Conference All-Academic Team. During his days as a player, he was nicknamed “The General” for his outstanding ball and team control at both Butler and Vanderbilt.

After college Pride immediately vaulted into the coaching realm and in the business ranks as a Director of Player Relations for Pro One Sports. He was head coach of Decatur High and Westminster Christian Academy among his many stops in both high school and college programs.

“I really had no interest in the Mae Jemison job, but was encouraged last year and this year to take the job,” said Pride. “The Jaguars’ program went through three coaches last season and I was approached by former Alabama A&M head coach Vann Pettaway about considering the position. I truly considered if the job was important to Coach Pettaway, who I admire, I knew I had to do it.”

The 2018-2019 school year will be in its third season of play for the Jags as the newest school in the Huntsville system. The first season the Jags won the state championship under the guidance of legendary coach Jack Doss who retired after the one season. Last season with turmoil within the program the team was 13-17. Pride said he will have one returning starter from the team of a year ago and will have five seniors.

“I look forward to the challenge as my style of coaching is up-tempo and keeping a good pace with the five best players on the floor,” added Pride. “I have hired a terrific staff of assistant coaches while I’ll be teaching physical education.”

Pride grew up in North Huntsville just around the corner from Mae Jemison. Coach Pettaway urged Pride to “come back home.” Pride added, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to coach in my old neighborhood.”