Knoxville Webb girls basketball finds Shelley Collier's replacement in Seymour's Greg Hernandez
The Knoxville Webb girls basketball program found its new coach in Greg Hernandez, replacing Shelley Collier, who led the Lady Spartans for the past 25 years before leaving to coach Lenoir City.
"Greg brings with him an impressive résumé of competitive playing and coaching experiences, but what made himtruly stand out throughout the process was his authenticity, professionalism and passion for the game of basketball," Webb athletic director Dan Gill said in a news release. “I am confident he will continue to help us build a highly competitive and deeply connected program that is aligned with Webb’s mission."
Hernandez coached the Seymour girls basketball team for the past five years after two years there as an assistant coach. He led the Lady Eagles to district and regional championships in 2022 and last season, when Seymour was 26-10 and fell to Greeneville in the Class 3A state sectional.
Webb finished 19-10 last season and lost in the first round of the Division II-AA playoffs. Webb has six state championships, all during Collier's tenure.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the girls’ basketball program at Webb. I lookforward to my time on campus as I build relationships with players, coaches and staff," Hernandez said in a news release. “Webb’s history and track record of success on and off the court is what interested me and ultimately led to my decision to accept this role. I believe with the focus on culture and development of habits, this program will produce championship teams for years to come."
TENNESSEE VOL AT KNOX CATHOLIC: JaJuan Smith, a former Tennessee basketball player, joins Knoxville Catholic boys staff
Hernandez spent two years playing professionally in the England Basketball League in the United Kingdom. He was named league MVP in 2012 and England Basketball League D1 Final MVP in 2013. He played college basketball at Maryville College, earning All-Great South Athletic Conference honors following his sophomore and junior seasons. After graduating in 2010, he was an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater.
"Greg has an enthusiasm for cultivating relationships, developing student-athletes, and helping them excel," Gill said in the school's release. "It was apparent he was the right fit for our program from the moment we first connected.”
Toyloy Brown III is a Knox News sports reporter. Email tbrown@usatoday.com. Twitter @TJ3rd_.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: TSSAA basketball: Greg Hernandez is Knoxville Webb girls coach
