The Stags varsity basketball team added a new coach to help with the upcoming 2024-25 basketball season.
Coach Reggie Gardner, who was a student-athlete himself here at DeMatha Catholic from 2012 to 2016 before taking on the college route, is the newest addition to the Stags experienced coaching staff. As a Stag, Gardner was able to play under the well-known Coach Mike K. Jones and alongside stars such as DJ Harvey, Nate Darling, Ryan Allen, Justin Moore, and eventual number 1 pick Markelle Fultz.
Coach Gardner was a four-year Stag and says it means a lot to return to his alma mater and to be able to connect with the current players. “I take a lot in pride in helping them accomplish their goals on and off the court. I also enjoy being able to relate to them and hold the guys to a high standard.”
The Stags finished their 2023-24 season on a hot note, winning the Maryland State Private School Championship against a top ranked Bullis team. The staff already has a lot of depth and experience on it with Coach Jones winning multiple championships at his old school. Coach Gardner believes he has his own skill set to add to the staff. “I believe I will add a winning mentality and connection with players who played at DeMatha. I am able to relate to the players and the daily challenges they face with being a varsity player at an elite level.”
Coach Gardner’s college career began with two years at North Carolina Central before he transferred to the University of Delaware to finish out his college career. After his college playing career ended, he was figuring out the next step of his journey when “Coach Jones and Mr. Landini reached out to me and expressed interest in having me join the staff. This wasn’t something I was planning to do but I thought it’d be a great opportunity to grow as a coach.”
Coach Reggie Gardner is excited and super pumped for the 2024-25 varsity baseball season to start!
