News

WHHS names women's basketball coach

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 3, 2017

The administration of West Henderson High School has named April Bryson – a ’93 West graduate and 3-sport Varsity standout – the new head women's basketball coach, effective immediately. In her first year of teaching at West, Bryson is joining the Falcons with years of head coaching experience in club and recreation sports.

Bryson currently teaches business courses at West, where she was once a four-year varsity letterman in volleyball, basketball, and softball, played on the 1990 NCHSAA volleyball 3-A State Champion team and the 1991 NCHSAA Basketball 3-A State Champion team under Coach Jan Stanley’s leadership, was volleyball and basketball Player of the Year, and offered Division I full scholarships in both Basketball and Volleyball.

“She's one of the best female athletes to come through West,” said Principal Shannon Auten.

“We are extremely excited to have alumni April Bryson take over the Head Women's Basketball position here at WHHS,” said Assistant Principal & Athletic Director Jeff Smith. “Her character, energy, work ethic, and intense style of play will be exciting to watch as we grow our basketball programs for the future.”

Bryson holds an undergraduate degree in Health & Exercise Science from Appalachian State University, where she played varsity volleyball on scholarship and earned the title, “ASU Most Valuable Volleyball Player” in 1997. Additionally, Bryson holds a second Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education (K-12) from UNC-Asheville, and a graduate degree in Public Health Administration from East Tennessee State University.

Since 2002, Bryson has head coaching experience with the Biltmore Volleyball Academy Club, Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA), Hendersonville Recreation Basketball and Volleyball – and has a deep understanding of, and respect for, high school basketball coaching.

“For 17 years I have been a high school basketball coach’s wife,” Bryson said, referring to Joey Bryson, her husband and fellow West alum who is head coach for men’s basketball. “I understand a side of coaching that many new high school coaches may not have experienced,” Bryson said. “I see the hard work first hand. I see the pay-offs up close and personal.”

Though the season doesn’t officially start until October, Bryson will begin off-season workouts with her new team this month and looks forward to connecting with the players and nurturing the women’s basketball program at West.

“I see the importance of building relationships with players, parents and the community,” Bryson said. “I'm excited about taking the program to the next level.”