First Baptist ready for big year in athletics

David Shelton • July 22, 2024

Mail

James Island – It’s always a good summer when First Baptist athletic director Graham Haley does not have to spend a lot of time filling vacancies on his athletic coaching staff.

Some summers there are multiple openings while others there are few or none. Haley’s 2024 summer was pretty easy as he had only one coaching opening to fill. And that replacement was an easy find.

Volleyball coach Sabina Wang resigned during the spring to better care for her parents in Taiwan. Wang had built the program into a solid winner, making several state playoff appearances over the last decade.

Along her side in recent years was Zuri Fenderson, a key assistant coach. Haley says offering the job was a no-brainer.

“She played at The Citadel and had been here for a few years. She knows the game very well and more importantly, she knows our team and our players,” Haley said. “She is ready for this opportunity and the team already has had a good summer. I’m excited for her.”

Haley was happy to report than the remaining varsity head coaches are returning. With associate athletic director Presley Singleton, the athletic department is under solid leadership.

Haley, a 2003 graduate of the school, has devoted his entire working life to coaching and mentoring First Baptist athletes. He has coached at all levels of basketball, boys and girls. Prior to taking over as athletic director, Haley was a successful head coach of the girls basketball team from 2011-17.

When Haley went to the top spot, he hired Singleton as the girls basketball coach and associate athletic director. Singleton came over from rival Northwood Academy where he won state SCISA titles and contended for a few more. She has won numerous coaching honors and has the Hurricanes in contention on a yearly basis.

Mara Redmond is another key leader in athletics as an assistant while Brittany Lang is the athletic trainer.

Returning head coaches include Jamaal Birch (football), Ralph Lundy (boys soccer), Holland Fava (cheer), Lauren Langston (swim), Erin Jackson (cross country), Antoine Saunders (boys basketball), Alex Snider (baseball), Marc Simpson (girls soccer), Katelyn Powell (softball), Tim Tyler (track) and Jacob Redmond (boys golf).

“Our coaches are dedicated to their sport and to our kids,” Haley said. “We compete well across the board, sometimes with limited numbers. The athletes work hard.”

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Gators’ Hall has built consistent winner on Redbank Road

By Rob Gantt • July 30, 2025

Blake Hall has coached the Gators since the 2012-13 season and consistently produced winning teams over the years.

Hanahan volleyball program under new leadership

By Rob Gantt • July 30, 2025

Hanahan High School promotes Jamie Kock to head coach of the girls varsity volleyball. Koch, who has moved up from the junior varsity, takes over for former coach Sheena Lanham.

First Baptist Hires New AD and Football Coach

By David Shelton • July 30, 2025

By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – First Baptist School has new leadership within its football program and athletic department for the coming 2025-26 school year. Kevin Mapp was hired as the new head football coach in the early spring and Jay Godbolt was hired as the new athletic director at the start of the summer. Mapp has extensive coaching experience on both the college and high school levels while also working in law enforcement. First Baptist is his first head coaching position. Mapp last coached defensive linemen at James Island Charter High and has had coaching stints at James Madison, Hampden-Sydney, Georgetown, Marshall, Missouri State and Coastal Carolina. Mapp graduated from James Madison and was a defensive lineman on the 2004 Division I-AAA (now FCS) national championship team. “Coaching has always been my passion,” Mapp said. “Ever since I was playing, I wanted to be a coach. I have always found a way to coach while working in law enforcement. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do both.” Mapp has been with the Charleston County police department for the last 10 years. He took some time away from coaching to start a family. “I felt like First Baptist was the perfect fit for me and my family,” Mapp says. “It’s a great opportunity at a great place. The kids here work hard and there is a lot of support from the administration. I’m excited to be the head football coach at First Baptist.” Mapp has hired coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will McCombs , once the head coach of the program, will call the offensive plays. Chris Hart comes over from James Island as the defensive coordinator. “Our numbers are improving and the kids are working hard,” Mapp said. “I feel like we can be a competitive team. It’s year one of the building process.” Godbolt has been a coach and athletic director in the Charleston area for nearly two decades. As the boys basketball coach at Charleston Collegiate, Godbolt coached three state championship teams. He also has been a coach and athletic director at Lowcountry Leadership Academy. Godbolt has more than 450 career victories as a head basketball coach. Current First Baptist basketball coach Antoine Saunders was Godbolt’s assistant at Charleston Collegiate.