Changing course

BRADEN RIVER — Matt Nesser has been a staple in the Braden River High gymnasium.

Over the past 10 years, Nesser developed a team of inexperienced freshmen and sophomore basketball players into a district championship contender while watching nine of his players go on to play collegiate basketball.

But, for the first time in a decade, Nesser won’t be calling out plays and standing alongside his players on the bench; instead, he will be cheering his players on from the other side of the court.

Nesser stepped down from his coaching position after being named Braden River’s new athletic director Sept. 16.

“It was time for me to make a change,” Nesser said. “The opportunity was there, and they have confidence in me to do the job.

“I have a lot to learn in the position, but the administration has been nice to work with. It’s certainly an easier transition knowing you don’t have to start fresh.”

Nesser replaces Bob Bowling, who retired Aug. 29 after 41 years in high school athletics. Bowling had been the athletic director at Braden River since the school opened in 2005.

“I can’t be Coach Bowling,” Nesser says. “The expectations are high, and now it’s about what I can provide. I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s tough to follow a national champion.”

Nesser, who is also a guidance counselor at Braden River, has been at the school since its inception.

Nesser coached college basketball at various levels before coming to Braden River. Early on, Nesser had aspirations of being an NBA coach, but over time that dream began to fade, and Nesser began toying with the idea of becoming an athletic director.

When Bowling announced his retirement, Nesser decided to apply for the position. Braden River held interviews for the position, which was open to candidates nationwide, Sept. 12.

“We chose to hire Matt Nesser because of his years of experience with coaching, his familiarity with the Pirate Family and his proven ability to work with student athletes, parents and coaches,” Braden River Principal Jennifer Gilray says. “It is not easy to replace Coach Bowling, but Matt worked closely with him and considers him a mentor.”

After being named the Pirates’ new athletic director, Nesser began searching for his coaching replacement, as well as finding a boys soccer coach and girls tennis coach.

“I feel my main job is to support the coaches and help them any way that I can,” Nesser says. “We’re not going to reinvent the wheel, but rather build on that. I love the coaching staff here.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].