Ooltewah High Announces New Basketball Coaches

Tony Williams to lead boys' team, Cheri Wood takes over girls' program

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in orange, blue, and white, conceptually representing the dynamic action and energy of a high school basketball game.The new coaching hires at Ooltewah High aim to build on the school's storied basketball tradition through a fresh, energetic approach.Chattanooga Today

Ooltewah High School has named new head coaches for both its boys' and girls' basketball teams. Tony Williams, who previously led the girls' varsity program, will now take over the boys' team, while Cheri Wood, a former Bradley Central player, will lead the girls' squad.

Why it matters

The coaching changes at Ooltewah High aim to build on the school's rich basketball tradition and provide consistent leadership for both the boys' and girls' programs. The new hires are expected to bring fresh energy and a commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court.

The details

Tony Williams, who has over 200 wins in his 11-year head coaching career, will transition from leading the girls' team to taking over the boys' program. Cheri Wood, a Bradley Central graduate with coaching experience at the middle school level, will now lead the girls' varsity team.

  • On Friday, Ooltewah High School announced the new basketball coaching hires.
  • Williams has spent the past three seasons as the head coach of the Ooltewah girls' team.

The players

Tony Williams

An experienced head coach who has built the Ooltewah girls' varsity program into one of the city's most successful in recent seasons.

Cheri Wood

A former Bradley Central player who has coached at the middle school level, including three seasons leading the Hunter Middle School program.

Donnie Mullins

The principal of Ooltewah High School, who emphasized the importance of having head coaches based in the building full-time.

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What they’re saying

“Words cannot express the gratitude that I have for the chance to step into the leadership role of head boys' basketball coach. Ooltewah has had some amazing basketball teams since I have been coaching in the Chattanooga area and there is no reason that we can't get back to that level.”

— Tony Williams, New Ooltewah Boys' Basketball Coach

“I came from a program where basketball is life. I want our players to understand if they want to be successful it has to be a commitment. I bring expectations and will set the bar high as far as what we're looking to accomplish.”

— Cheri Wood, New Ooltewah Girls' Basketball Coach

What’s next

The new coaches will begin preparing their teams for the upcoming basketball season, with the goal of building on Ooltewah's strong basketball tradition.

The takeaway

The coaching changes at Ooltewah High demonstrate the school's commitment to providing consistent leadership and high expectations for both its boys' and girls' basketball programs, aiming to develop student-athletes on and off the court.