Legendary Girls Basketball Coach Joins Gainesville High

Jan Azar, who has won 17 state championships, takes over Gainesville program after leaving Hebron Christian

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:20pm

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Jan Azar, one of the most successful high school girls basketball coaches in Georgia history, has been hired as the new head coach of the Gainesville High School team. Azar, who led Hebron Christian to four state championships in the last seven years, was announced as Gainesville's new coach less than a week after winning her 17th state title.

Why it matters

Azar's hiring represents a major coup for the Gainesville program, which struggled to a 11-16 record last season and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Her track record of building championship-caliber teams is expected to quickly turn around the Gainesville program and make them a state title contender.

The details

Azar, who has more basketball state championships than any coach in GHSA history, was Hebron Christian's head coach for the last seven years. She led the Lions to four state championships during that time. Gainesville Athletic Director Adam Lindsey said Azar was his top candidate to take over the program, citing her ability to 'build programs and have elite level of success'.

  • On March 11, 2026, Azar led Hebron Christian to its latest state championship.
  • On March 17, 2026, Gainesville announced Azar as its new head coach, less than a week after her 17th state title.

The players

Jan Azar

A legendary high school girls basketball coach who has won 17 state championships, the most in Georgia High School Association history. She was previously the head coach at Hebron Christian, leading them to four state titles in the last seven years.

Adam Lindsey

The Athletic Director at Gainesville High School, who identified Azar as his top candidate to turn around the Gainesville program after they struggled to an 11-16 record last season.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of a no-brainer if you can get her to say yes.”

— Adam Lindsey, Athletic Director, Gainesville High School

What’s next

Azar will begin preparing the Gainesville team for the upcoming season, looking to quickly turn them into a state title contender.

The takeaway

Azar's hiring represents a major coup for Gainesville High School, as they have landed one of the most successful high school coaches in Georgia history to lead their girls basketball program. Her track record of building championship-caliber teams is expected to quickly transform Gainesville into a state title contender.