Grady did not grow up in the most ideal scenarios but relied heavily on his coaches to get through day-to-day life as a student.
It was at that point Grady found his calling in life, providing the same life lessons and support as those who got him through high school.
“I lived in government housing, and it was my coaches who got me through high school and ultimately got me my college degree,” Grady said. “I wanted to give kids like me and others the same hope that my coaches gave me.”
As a multi-sport athlete playing basketball, football, baseball, and running track, Grady had no shortage of sports knowledge.
While Fulshear sports across campus have been used to success, the boys’ basketball program has undergone its fair share of turnover and struggles.
While volleyball and girls’ basketball have seen the bright lights of a state tournament, the Chargers have yet to boast an above-.500 overall record.
Joining UIL competition in 2017, the Chargers have had four head coaches in the program’s short history.
The previous head coach, Jeremy Cunningham, was actually the man who hired Grady to come as a varsity assistant last season.
As the Chargers looked to be turning things around in 2022, Cunningham was unexpectedly relieved of his duties following what Lamar Consolidated ISD officials cited as UIL violations.
Grady was named the interim coach, helping lead the Chargers to a program-best 12-2 District 20-5A record, resulting in him getting the permanent title. The Chargers also won their first 5A playoff victory with a 66-51 win over Sharpstown before being eliminated in the area round by Port Arthur Memorial.
Grady is no stranger to being the head man in charge, as he got one of his first coaching gigs at 3A Eustace.
Due to a lack of skill positions, Grady instituted a defensive-minded perspective; however, his philosophy has evolved into a more offensive-minded approach since joining Fulshear.
The talent pool in the area is a lot more robust, allowing Grady to reestablish his game plans.
“We weren’t that competitive when I was there,” Grady said. “I was defensive in the trenches at Eustace, but over the years, I’ve become more offensive-driven, whether that’s driving inside, playing with pace, getting shots up and down the court. I’ve come to understand that to win on this level, you have to be able to score.”
Although the opportunity came when he was least expecting it, Grady is hoping to provide stability and a resonating culture for players and alumni alike.
Ultimately, Grady wants his legacy in Fulshear to become one that goes beyond the four years on the court.
“It’s that family-first mentality I want, and I want our players and alumni to recognize that,” Grady said. “When kids come back here, I want it to look better and different than the time they were here. I want alumni to come back and interact, and they can see the positive changes made in the program. I hope I can make that same impact on the kids, whether that’s helping them grow as a person, but I want them to come back with their ow... Click here to read full article
ARTICLE SOURCE:
