MACON, Ga. – FPD boys basketball coach Michael Brooker informed players in a team meeting on Friday, February 14 that he is stepping down as head coach in order to be more available to his growing family.
“The decision to pursue other opportunities was very difficult, but I feel it is in the best interest of our family,” Brooker said.
Athletic Director Greg Moore understands Brooker’s tough decision.
“We appreciate Michael’s service to FPD for the last seven years – long hours and time away from home put heavy burdens on a good man like him,” Moore said.
Brooker has been at the helm of the basketball program since the school transitioned to the GHSA after the 2010 season.
During his time as head coach, Michael White (class of 2008) signed a scholarship with Bethune-Cookman and Caleb Dupree (2013) signed to play at North Georgia College and State University.
“FPD provided me the opportunity seven years ago to coach the game I love to young people and to do my best to impact them positively both on and off the court,” Brooker said. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity and have grown both personally and professionally during my time here.”
A graduate of Brentwood High School, Brooker went on the play collegiate basketball at the University of North Carolina from 1996-2001 and was a member of three NCAA Final Four teams and three ACC Championship squads.
“I’ll always look back very fondly on my years at FPD and cherish the many special relationships built with the students, players, coaches, and co-workers,” Brooker said.
Moore says the school is already in the process of searching for a new coach.
“We’ve already assured our student-athletes that we will be diligent in identifying someone who best fits the school’s mission and needs of our basketball program, as we seek to move our basketball program forward from here,” Moore said.
The First Presbyterian Day School Department of Athletics strives to build the student athlete both in the playing arena and the classroom while upholding the school’s mission statement to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. For more information, visit www.fpdvikings.com and sign up for up-to-the-minute news and scores by visiting www.twitter.com/FPDVikingSports.