By Thomas Grant Jr.
In one season as girls basketball coach, Coretta Ferguson led White Knoll to 17 victories and third place in Region 4-5A.
Despite the success, she saw an opportunity within the region elsewhere to reach even higher heights. She was approved by Lexington Richland School District Five and approved Ferguson to replace Trina Wagstaff as Lady Yellow Jackets’ girls basketball coach.
According to Ferguson, she believed she saw “writing on the wall” to move forward and find a “perfect fit” in terms of academics, accountability, location, and higher pool of younger student-athletes.”
“The decision to leave White Knoll wasn’t an easy decision but was based on collective reasons that challenged my philosophy as an educator and coach,” she said. “In order to make a difference it requires a village with similar views that aligns for the overall success of a student-athlete; those values weren’t aligning.
“Each day was a different obstacle to face and overcome; although they were met head on to achieve the success that the program willfully earned, the praise and recognition was limited to the young ladies. The success at White Knoll was invigorating and they deserved every moment. I was proud of each of them and their accolades. Wishing them success beyond the court.”
Ferguson said she’s comfortable with coaching with a former rival team. Her mission from Day 1 has been to “create a competitive edge” for an Irmo program seeking its first winning season since 2021.
“We became competitive on day one when I met the girls in May during our off season conditioning,” she said. “Our numbers have grown and we are growing as a cohesive team every day. The parent support, administration support and student-athletes consistency is a strong indicator of how competitive we will be this upcoming season and beyond.”
Ferguson said she’s working diligently in June to work on fundamentals and skill sets through the S.C. Basketball Coaches Association live events. Through hard work and team bonding, the goal is to build a competitive roster in the region and Class 5A Division II.
(Photo courtesy of Irmo High School)
