University of the South Athletic Director Mark Webb has announced that head men’s basketball coach Bradley Pierson, C’09, has resigned to accept the head coaching position at his high school alma mater, the Darlington School, in Rome, Ga.

“Coach Pierson has left an indelible impression on the Sewanee men’s basketball program as a player, as an assistant coach, and finally as our head coach,” said Webb. “His contributions are many, and he will certainly be missed by our players and athletic staff. He leaves Sewanee with our warmest wishes.”

Pierson was a 2005 graduate of Darlington.

The announcement comes after Sewanee finished 15-12 under Pierson in 2016-17. Pierson finished with the most wins as a first-year head coach in program history. Under Pierson, seniors Jorden Williams and Brody Stone were named to the All-SAA First-Team. Stone also became the first Tiger since Turner Emory and Ryan Harrigan, C’98, to be named as an all-region player.

“As a Sewanee alum, I am forever tied to this University, and am grateful for all it has provided for me and my family,” said Pierson. “The Mountain will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to following all the future successes of the program.”

Prior to being named the 22nd head coach for the Tigers on April 8, 2016, Pierson served an assistant coach, lead recruiting coordinator, and basketball strength and conditioning coach at Sewanee from 2012-2016.

Pierson originally returned to the Mountain after spending two years as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Southern Athletic Association (SAA) member Berry College.

The four-year letterwinner, Order of Gownsmen, and 2008-09 captain, finished his Sewanee career in the school’s top-10 in three-point field percentage and three-point field goals made.

After earning his B.A. in economics from the University of the South, Pierson went on to earn M.A. from Berry in secondary education.

http://sewaneetigers.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/20170413fmzx0r