UMS-Wright hires college basketball coach to lead girls program

Darnell Archey, former University of Mobile men's coach, will take over the Bulldogs' girls basketball team.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a high school basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to create a dynamic, multi-perspective scene.The hiring of an accomplished college coach to lead the UMS-Wright girls basketball program signals a new era of elevated competitiveness and opportunity for the team.Mobile Today

UMS-Wright has hired Darnell Archey, the former men's basketball coach at the University of Mobile, to lead its girls basketball program. Archey replaces Terry Canova, who left after 20 years to become the head girls coach at Orange Beach. Archey brings 21 years of experience at both the high school and college levels, including guiding the University of Mobile Rams to the national tournament in 2025 and consecutive 20-win seasons in 2024 and 2025.

Why it matters

This hire represents an investment by UMS-Wright in its girls basketball program, bringing in an experienced college coach to lead the team. Archey's background includes coaching at the Division 1 level, which could help elevate the Bulldogs' program and provide new opportunities for its players.

The details

Archey has been an assistant coach at multiple Division 1 programs, including Butler University and South Alabama. While at Butler, he coached in a pair of national championship games. As a player, Archey set numerous records at Butler and led the team to four conference championships and three NCAA tournament appearances. He ranks second among Butler's all-time 3-point shooters and still holds the NCAA record for consecutive free throws with 85.

  • Archey was hired as the new UMS-Wright girls basketball coach on April 13, 2026.
  • Archey replaces Terry Canova, who left the UMS-Wright girls basketball program after 20 years to become the head coach at Orange Beach.

The players

Darnell Archey

The new head coach of the UMS-Wright girls basketball program, Archey previously served as the men's basketball coach at the University of Mobile, leading the Rams to the national tournament in 2025 and consecutive 20-win seasons in 2024 and 2025.

Terry Canova

The former head coach of the UMS-Wright girls basketball program for 20 years, Canova has left to become the new head girls basketball coach at Orange Beach.

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What they’re saying

“This hire represents an investment by UMS-Wright in its girls basketball program, bringing in an experienced college coach to lead the team.”

— Ben Thomas, Author

What’s next

Archey will begin his tenure as the new UMS-Wright girls basketball coach immediately, preparing the team for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

UMS-Wright's decision to hire an experienced college basketball coach to lead its girls program signals a commitment to elevating the team's competitiveness and providing new opportunities for its players to develop and succeed at the highest levels of high school basketball.