Interview by Abernathy Cochran intern and Gainesville High School senior Philip Mady
Meet Coach Chuck Graham! Although many would say Coach Graham is a humble coach, he’s had many achievements on the court over the years. Graham played Division 1 basketball at Florida State University and had a very successful college career. He now coaches Gainesville High School’s Men’s Basketball team. Coach Graham lives in Hall County with his wife Leania, two sons, Bryant, 14, and Charlie, 12…and another baby boy is expected in March.
We want to thank Coach Graham for meeting with us recently and telling us more about his life and love of Hall County.
Question: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
Answer: “I am currently working at my dream job as a PE Teacher/Graduation Coach/ head varsity basketball coach at Gainesville High School. I love working with young people. I had a lot of people pour into me as a teenager, so I know how important it is to encourage, guide and hold teens accountable to help develop them and help them grow. That’s what I get to do every day, is to pour into our youth and that’s what it’s all about.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Of course Longstreet Café is a staple. The Ville Nutrition has become a daily visit lately and you can’t go wrong ordering The Coffee Shop for lunch.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I moved to Gainesville from Augusta in 2007 and began working at the Boys and Girls Club as the Director of Operations in 2008.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “So many pillars of the community come to mind, from Gainesville Legend George Groover, Pastor Michael Thurmond to coaching legend Seth Vining”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I’d love to go to Bora Bora and stay in a bungalow. I want to see the clear water which is unlike anything we have here.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “‘Remember the Titans’ and Sports Center.”
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?
A: “Philippians 4:4-7 in which states, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A:“Longstreet Café.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
A: “The Rev. Billy Graham and John Wooden. Billy Graham because of his faithfulness to God and he had a humbling spirit. John Wooden because he was a coach that coached the right way. He cared for his players and it just wasn’t in a transactional way, it was a transformation process with him he wanted to see his players not only succeed on the basketball court but he wanted to make them better men.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? And secondly, what is something you hope our community has or does in the future?
A: “My favorite thing about the community is the people. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some really good genuine people and build positive relationships all over Hall County.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “I hopefully I’ll be still serving others…and being involved in a game of basketball.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list and, what is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: “Still on the bucket list: ride the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible.”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “I’m more of a podcast guy. John Maxwell.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Maui, Hawaii.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “June, my birthday month. Christmas because that is when we received the greatest gift, Jesus. Lastly, September 14. My anniversary.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “Idris Elba.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My wife.”
