Courtney Simmons is stepping down as Sugar Hill Christian Academy’s athletic director to be replaced by Daniel Johnson.
During the 12 years under Simmons’ stewardship, SHCA’s athletics department has shown monumental growth. Since he took on the role in 2011, the program has developed from just two teams, middle school volleyball and basketball, to 16 teams representing the school in seven different sports.
Not only has the department grown over the years, but it has also found increasing success, winning 14 state championships during Simmons’ time as athletic director, seven of them coming just this year.
In a statement addressed to the, “Stallion Families,” Simmons, who will continue in his role as dean of students, said, “I will be stepping down as our Athletic Director to turn my attention and investment more toward student and teacher training/directing while also pursuing a deeper connection between our school and our community.”
Simmons also expressed the utmost confidence in his replacement, Johnson, saying, “His passion for injury prevention and weight training will be utilized in the weight room where he will direct our new strength and conditioning programs.”
Johnson comes to SHCA from Johnson High School in Hall County where he taught science for 10 years and coached baseball, basketball, volleyball, cross country and mountain biking during his tenure.
In addition to his educational and athletic credentials, Johnson also serves as a deacon at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville. He and his wife, Sarah, have two young children with a third due in August.
“Please join me in welcoming coach Johnson to our Stallion family,” Simmons said.
Johnson will officially take over as athletic director in June.
FEATURED PHOTO: Courtney Simmons is stepping down as Sugar Hill Christian Academy’s athletic director. He will continue in his role as dean of students. Photo courtesy of Sugar Hill Christian Academy.
