The HudDLe: Priddy's dream is now a reality
West Davidson boys basketball coach, Nicholas Priddy, accepts a ball from one of his players. {Contributed photo}
Nicholas Priddy is following his dreams - coaching basketball at his alma mater, West Davidson High School (WDHS). His road to reality has proved to be tricky and more difficult than a coach's normal path.
Priddy was born and raised in Lexington. He has been around sports his whole life and said “I basically learned to walk at football and basketball practices with my dad.” His father coached football and basketball at Tyro Middle School for over 30 years.
A 1998 WDHS graduate, Priddy played football, basketball and tennis all four years and won multiple awards. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2002 with a double major in information systems and finance and banking. After graduation, Priddy was hired at Lexington State Bank and his former high school basketball coach, Greg McDade, asked him if he wanted to be an assistant coach. Nick remained a volunteer assistant coach for the next four seasons which concluded in 2006.
Over the next 10 years, Priddy spent his time navigating his professional career and raising a family with his wife, Misty. They have three children. In 2017, Priddy accepted a job with Bank of America, which “does a great job of encouraging its employees to give back to the community.” In spring 2019, WDHS’s boys’ basketball coach resigned. However, as a result of lack of teaching positions available, the school was unable to hire a coach who could be a staff member.
McDade agreed to come out of retirement and asked Priddy to once again join him. A quick conversation with his employer and Priddy was granted their full support to coach. McDade retired again after the 2021 season. At that time, the school approached Priddy about taking over as head coach. Once again, with the support of his employer, Priddy is able to partake in his passion.
The WDHS alum stated, “Coaching high school sports is a commitment, but it is also a passion. Being a part of young adults' lives, and having the opportunity to help mold them into successful men is like having 12 additional kids of your own. You love each and every one of them, and want to see nothing but the best for them.”
On 12/29/21, Priddy posted on Facebook that he was blessed with a great group of kids and was reflecting on his first official high school win. “We are thankful for coaches and people in our community that have a passion for sports, and being such a positive impact on the lives of our youth.”
Nick concluded his comments by acknowledging a few people, “he is extremely thankful for…”
“My dad for putting it in my blood, but also for pushing me in the right direction.”
“Bank of America for pushing me to give back to the community I live in.”
“Max Gainor - one of my first coaches when I was in 3rd grade that made the game fun for me and to this day, checks in on me and gives me a hug every time I see him.”
“Richard Snyder - Middle school coach who opened the gym for me growing up to always play and get work in.”
“All of my high school coaches who showed me the right way to do things and helped set my foundation as a coach today - Mark Holcomb, Frederick Hurt, Kelan Rogers, Dale Barnes, Chad Tedder, Barry Mitchem, Charles Elmore, Avery Cutshaw.”
“Emroy Edwards - Long time coach at Tyro Middle who taught me a lot and always makes time to chat.”
“Jon Weavil for helping me relight the fire inside to coach.”
“Greg McDade for his consummate leadership and mentorship. Forever grateful to this man. The number of lives he has touched for all the years from coaching is unbelievable, and a big reason why I do what I do.”
