Etowah High School Welcomes Back Former Star Tommy Davis as New Varsity Basketball Coach in Full-Circle Homecoming Moment
Congratulations are in order for Coach Tommy Davis, who has officially been named the new Varsity Basketball Coach for the Etowah High School Blue Devils. For the Etowah community, this is not just the hiring of a new coach—it’s the homecoming of a beloved alum whose roots in the program run deep and whose accomplishments, both as a player and as a mentor, speak volumes about his love for the game and for the school that helped shape him.
Coach Davis is not a stranger to the Etowah faithful. He’s one of their own—a product of the very halls and hardwood floors he now returns to lead. A standout athlete during his time at Etowah High School, Davis earned a basketball scholarship to Snead State Community College after graduating. There, his skills and leadership blossomed further as he became a critical part of a team that achieved great success, including capturing a State Championship. That experience not only honed his playing abilities but began to lay the foundation for the leadership style and competitive spirit he now brings back to his alma mater.
After making his mark at Snead State, Davis continued his basketball journey at Troy University, where he once again played on a basketball scholarship. His time at Troy was nothing short of historic. Alongside his teammates, Davis helped rewrite the NCAA record books, contributing to a performance that remains one of the most remarkable in collegiate basketball history—scoring the most points in a single NCAA game, a record that still stands to this day. But that wasn’t all. Davis played in a National Title game as well, experiencing the pressure, thrill, and discipline it takes to compete on one of the biggest stages college basketball has to offer.
These achievements, while impressive in their own right, are only part of what makes Coach Davis such a fitting and inspiring choice to lead Etowah’s basketball program. His dedication to the sport continued long after his playing days. After college, Davis made the decision to give back—to share the knowledge, discipline, and passion for basketball that had carried him so far. That led him to join forces with his longtime friend and former teammate, Coach James Graves. Together, they spent nearly two decades—approximately 17 to 18 years—coaching at their home school. This chapter of his life reveals perhaps the most significant part of Davis’s legacy: his commitment to mentorship, loyalty, and building a lasting program based on trust and shared goals.
Those who know Coach Davis will attest to the energy, humility, and deep understanding of the game that he brings to every practice and game. His approach to coaching goes beyond Xs and Os. It’s about shaping young athletes into men of character, resilience, and purpose. He understands firsthand what it means to represent Etowah with pride—he’s lived it. Now, he steps into a new chapter where he can pass that legacy on to the next generation.
The Etowah High School administration and athletic department couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Coach Davis into this pivotal role. In an era where hiring decisions can often prioritize flash over fit, Etowah chose someone who not only knows the school and its community but is a living testament to its values and traditions. He’s been where the players are now. He’s worn the jersey, sat in the locker room, walked the same halls. That shared experience gives him an unmatched connection to the athletes he’ll be coaching. His story becomes part of the team’s story—one that bridges the past, present, and future of Etowah basketball.
In sports, there’s something uniquely powerful about homecomings. They remind us that some journeys, no matter how far they stretch, are always meant to lead us back to where it all began. Coach Davis returns not just as a former player, but as a proven leader, a mentor with decades of experience, and a role model for student-athletes who will look to him not only for basketball guidance but for life lessons as well.
Under his leadership, the future of Etowah basketball looks bright. The foundation of success is already being laid—not just in terms of wins and championships, but in the culture being cultivated. Coach Davis knows how to win, yes, but more importantly, he knows how to teach others to pursue greatness through discipline, perseverance, and unity. His teams are expected to play with heart, to fight for every point, and to wear the Blue Devils jersey with the same pride he did as a young man.
As with any transition, there will be challenges. Every season brings its own set of obstacles, from tough competition to the evolving pressures faced by high school athletes today. But there’s every reason to believe that Coach Davis is the right leader to steer this program forward. His background gives him a unique lens through which to see his players—not just as athletes, but as students, as young men with potential that stretches far beyond the basketball court.
There’s also something to be said about the symbolic power of this hire. For current students, seeing a former Etowah student return as the head coach sends a clear message: greatness can come from within these very walls. Success doesn’t always mean leaving home behind—it can mean coming back to give back. Coach Davis’s story is living proof that the lessons learned at Etowah High School can serve as the foundation for a life of achievement and purpose.
As he takes the reins of the varsity program, Coach Davis will undoubtedly have the full support of the Etowah community behind him. Former teammates, fellow coaches, parents, faculty, alumni, and fans will all be watching with excitement and pride as he begins this next chapter. The bleachers will be filled with familiar faces cheering on not just the team, but the man leading them. They know his heart. They know his work ethic. And they know he’s in this for the right reasons.
Coaching isn’t just about drawing up plays or managing games—it’s about inspiring belief. And there’s no question that Coach Davis brings belief back to the Blue Devils’ locker room. Belief in the team’s potential. Belief in each individual player. And belief in the program’s ability to rise and thrive under his guidance.
In many ways, the hiring of Coach Tommy Davis is more than a staffing decision—it’s a statement of identity. It reaffirms what Etowah High School stands for: tradition, excellence, loyalty, and community. It’s a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and trusting those who have walked the path before to lead the way forward.
So once again, congratulations to Coach Davis. This is more than a new job—it’s a new mission. Etowah believes in you, supports you, and stands with you as you embark on this exciting journey. The story has come full circle, and now, a new chapter begins—one that will be written in sweat, teamwork, perseverance, and hopefully, banners hanging high in the gym.
