Metro Nashville Public Schools Athletics

It’s that time of year again—the Middle Tennessee High School Sports Awards, sponsored by Ponce Law. This annual program celebrates the achievements of top-performing athletes, coaches, and teams across Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville. The program spans nine months, with nominees announced throughout the season and culminating in a live awards show this month.

Congratulations to the Middle Tennessee Sports Awards nominees from Metro Schools!

Fall Sports Nominees
Boys Cross Country
• Wyatt Boiling - MLK Academic High School

Football - Offense
• Brandon Goliday - Antioch High School

Winter Sports
Hockey
• Joshua Kuehn - Hillsboro High School

Girls Wrestling
• Lakeria Kelly - Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School

Spring Sports
Flag Football
• Emoni Haynes-Overton - Pearl-Cohn High Entertainment Magnet High School

Boys Lacrosse
• Clayton Bulbulkaya - Hillsboro High School

Boys Soccer
• Elijah van der Heijden - Hillsboro High School

Boys Tennis
• Gavin Boyce - John Overton High School
• Elliott Parker - Hume-Fogg High School

Boys Track & Field
• Chester Burgess - Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School

Girls Track & Field
• Chyna Harris-Rucker - Pearl-Cohn Entertianment Magnet High School
• Aaliyah Varnado - MLK

Way to show up MNPS!

Blink and you’ll miss him!

Now that summer has officially started, let’s hope it doesn’t move as fast as Rose Park Middle School sprinter Darius Weaver, who just blazed a 22.05 in the 200-meter dash!

According to the TSSAA/Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association, that’s the fastest middle school time ever recorded—an incredible achievement!

Congratulations, Darius, on setting a new Middle School record!
Competitors, consider this your warning… he’s just getting started and already setting the track ablaze!

Stratford High School has announced the appointment of Jerald Cook as its new head football coach. Cook steps into the role following Anthony Law, who led the Spartans program for the past three seasons.

"Coach Cook understands greatness begins with character, hard work, and academic excellence. Through intentional mentorship he will ensure the Spartan Football Program has the discipline to not just compete but dominate- winning in the classroom and on the field,” says Dr. Michael Pratt, executive principal of Stratford STEM Magnet High School.

Cook joins the Stratford program after serving as assistant offensive coordinator at Melrose High School. He previously led the athletics program at Freedom Preparatory Academy, where he served as Athletic Director and head football coach for six years. During his tenure, Cook founded the school’s 2A football program, guided 18 graduates to full college scholarships, and compiled an overall 32–25 record over five seasons, including four TSSAA playoff appearances.

During his time in Shelby County, Cook’s 2019 defense was ranked #1 in Tennessee high school football, allowing just 25 total points on the season. He also earned multiple honors, including Shelby County Schools Coach of the Year and TSSAA West Tennessee Coach of the Year.

Cook brings a proven record of building successful programs, developing student athletes, and fostering a culture of excellence on and off the field as he begins a new chapter with the Spartans.

Michael Claybrooks has been appointed as McGavock High School’s new boys’ basketball head coach. Claybrooks has more than 20 years of coaching experience at both the school and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) levels.

Prior to joining Metro Schools, Coach Claybrooks served as assistant basketball coach at Christ Presbyterian Academy. Claybrooks also coached elite AAU programs including Mookie Betts Travel Club, where he focused on advanced skill development and preparing student-athletes to compete at a high level.

“I am extremely thankful to be chosen to serve the Nashville Community as the McGavock High School Head Basketball Coach. I am honored for the opportunity to lead this program and build a winning culture that is process driven,” says Coach Claybrooks. “I am a transformational leader that will build a program with value-based principles that will help students to be successful in life. I would like to thank Mr. Bruce Jackson and the entire administration for believing in me to get this basketball program where it should be. It’s a new day at McGavock High School. Check Ball!!”

Claybrooks is a Metro Schools alumnus of Hillsboro High School.

🏈Celebrating Excellence & Leadership in Girls Flag Football! 🏈

Girls Flag Football is taking off across Middle Tennessee—and it’s here to stay! With the growing excitement around this incredible sport, Metro Nashville Public Schools is proud to introduce the MNPS Girls Flag Football “Spirit” Award.

Named in honor of longtime Athletic Director Scott Burnette, this award recognizes student-athletes who go beyond the game.

Congratulations to all the nominees and the recipient of the inaugural MNPS Girls Flag Football “Spirit” Award is Arabella Vos of Hume-Fogg High School.

The Spirit Award celebrates young women who:
Lead by example
Serve and uplift others
Promote team unity
Strive for excellence on and off the field
Encourage and inspire their teammates

These athletes embody what it truly means to be part of a team—and a community. Join us in congratulating these outstanding young ladies who represent the heart, hustle, and spirit of MNPS Girls Flag Football!

Antioch High School has tapped alumnus Edward Camel as interim head coach of the boys’ basketball program. Camel succeeds former head coach William Belliford.

"I am excited to announce Coach Camel as our new interim boys’ basketball coach, and I am especially proud to have one of our own stepping into this important role. As a proud alumnus of Antioch High School, Coach Camel embodies the tradition, pride, and high expectations that come with wearing our Blue and White,” said Dr. Nekesha Burnette, executive principal of Antioch High School. “With 12 years of coaching experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and dedication to our athletic program. Coach Camel is deeply committed to developing our student-athletes both on and off the court, and I look forward to watching our team grow, compete, and thrive under his leadership."

Camel served on the coaching staff at Ezell-Harding Christian School, where the team earned a 2025 Regional Championship and made a Final Four appearance in 2026. In addition to his high school coaching experience, Camel has an extensive background in competitive youth basketball, including, the AAU PUMA, Nike, and Under Armour circuits.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of interim head boys’ basketball coach. As a proud Antioch alum, this moment means everything to me,” says Coach Camel. “Antioch has always been home. I’m honored to give back by leading the Boys Basketball program forward and restoring a culture built on pride, accountability, and winning, where we set the standard, raise the standard, and uphold the standard every single day.”