By Mark Carpenter
People’s Defender
There are two varsity basketball coaching positions open now at Manchester High School as girls coach Jordan Johnson and boys coach Austin Kingsolver both recently turned in their respective resignations.
Johnson had spent three years as the Lady Hounds’ varsity head coach, battling issues with numbers and participation, but showing much improvement over the span of the 2025-26 season. Kingsolver has seven years of varsity coaching experience, three at West Union and the last four at Manchester, scoring an overall record of 46-51 in his time with the Greyhounds, winning a sectional title.
“I’m proud of the culture we established and the expectations we set for our players,” said Johnson. “I believe a successful program is one built on discipline, accountability, and a shared commitment toward something bigger than any one individual. When those values are resisted or pulled in different directions, it creates detrimental challenges in maintaining that standard. At this point In time, I just felt stepping away was the right decision for the program moving forward.”
“It’s the relationships. I will remember most from my time coaching the Manchester girls. The time in the gym, the conversations, and the ups and downs of a season. Those are the things i’ll never forget. I’m grateful for the players I had the chance to coach and the experiences we shared over those three years. Along with my amazing assistant Chaz Mack who was a catalyst at driving our culture.”
For Kingsolver, the reason for stepping down was one that is heard from many coaches in the same situation- family.
“It was just one of those things that is always in the back of your mind,” said Kingsolver. “I didn’t want to think about next year until this season was over and I made the decision once our season ended. I think I’ve helped raise other people’s kids for the past 12 years, I thought it might be time to start raising my own.”( Kingsolver and his wife Kara have a 3 1/2 year old son, Kenyan.)
“The time and the commitment to be there very day coaching was a big thing. It’s time with other people’s children that I could be spending with my own. I’ve enjoyed coaching as long as I have and I don’t know what the future holds but for now, that’s it.”
“I’ve enjoyed spending time with the Manchester kids,” Kingsolver continued. “Hopefully having a positive impact on the kids is important to me, Winning the sectional and playing at the Convo was fun, probably one of the highlights for me at both West Union and Manchester. Watching the kids grow over the last four or five years has been special.”
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