Montgomery Catholic hires Courtney Ward as girls basketball coach
The move to hire Courtney Ward comes after longtime coach Jill Clark announced her retirement in April.
Statement from Montgomery Catholic:
Montgomery Catholic is proud to announce Courtney Ward as the Girl’s Varsity Basketball Coach. “Coach Ward is an excellent addition to the Montgomery Catholic family. She brings incredible experience and a true winning spirit to an established program that is ready to continue the quest for championship quality play and even higher level of character,” says School President, Justin Castanza.
Coach Ward is a Montgomery, Alabama native was a standout point guard at Jeff Davis during her High School career. She led her team to a 6A State Championship and earned numerous accolades, including Alabama Miss Basketball nominee, All-State Super 5, and All-Metro Player of the Year.
At Florida State University, she was a four year starting point guard and left her mark as the All-Time Assist Leader, 3-Point Field Goal Leader, and one of the program’s Top 25 All-Time Scorers. Her leadership helped guide the Seminoles to multiple NCAA tournament runs, including Sweet 16 and Elite 8 appearances.
After college, she joined the WNBA’s Seattle Storm training camp and played professionally in Italy before transitioning to public service as a Police Officer and later a Deputy Sheriff in Montgomery County. In 2016, she was honored as an ACC Women’s Basketball Legend.
Courtney made history as one of the first women to coach boys’ varsity basketball in Alabama, leading programs at Sidney Lanier, Pike Road, and Park Crossing High School, where she consistently built winning teams and inspired student-athletes.
She is also the founder of CWARD Basketball Camps, a youth-focused training program rooted in discipline, leadership, and skill development. Known for her integrity, resilience, and commitment to community, Courtney Ward continues to mentor, lead, and empower the next generation through sport and service.
Athletic Director Daniel Veres said, “We are super excited to welcome Coach Ward and her family into our MCPS family. Her resume speaks for itself, and I can’t wait to see the heights she will take our program.”
