Oakland names Shelby Campbell girls basketball coach

Oakland didn't have to go far to find its new girls basketball coach.

Just across town, actually.

Blackman girls assistant Shelby Campbell has been named the next Lady Patriots head coach, replacing longtime coach Jennifer Grandstaff.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity Oakland is giving me," said Campbell, who was an assistant under Blackman coach Wendi Scott this past season. "I'm excited and ready to get to work."

Campbell, 27, was a 2010 Blackman graduate and standout guard under Chad Hibdon. She later played at Samford before becoming an assistant at Alabama-Huntsville (2014-16) and then Blackman (2017-19).

While it is her first head coaching stint, the up-and-coming talent in the coaching ranks was a big draw for Oakland.

"It was all things," Oakland principal John Marshall said when asked about the decision. "Her familiarity with the district (7-AAA), being a high school player herself in this district. She's from Rutherford County and understands the competitive nature of girls basketball in this county. It's unlike any other area in Tennessee."

Since Campbell's senior season at Blackman, Rutherford County has produced eight Class AAA state champions (Riverdale 2010, 2012-13, 2016-18; Blackman 2014-15) and two runners-up (Riverdale 2011, Oakland 2015).

"It's going to be exciting, but fun," Campbell said of coaching in the district. "The competition makes it a fun place to play. It will be exciting (playing against Blackman). It will be different being on the other side of it."

Marshall said he had at least 30 applicants for the position, which had been open for only two weeks.

"(Campbell) has an energy level and excitement," he said. "That, with her background and knowledge of basketball she brings to the program, we expect (the program) to move forward in the way we've come to know at Oakland."

Grandstaff was a veteran area coach, spending most of her 28 years in high school ball at Oakland before retiring on April 29. The Lady Patriots finished 21-11 and reached the Class AAA sectional last season, falling to eventual Class AAA state champion Bradley Central 43-37.

The Lady Patriots return all-area sophomores Claira McGowan and Nicole Egeruoh.

"Coach Grandstaff did an incredible job teaching the girls X's and O's," Campbell said. "I'm excited to get in there and get started."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.