Burns named head girls basketball coach, Johnson remains boys head coach

Published 1:47 pm Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Athletic Director, George Pitts, announced the hiring of Former Oak Hill Academy Coach, Michael Burns to serve as the varsity girls basketball coach on Wednesday. After three years of being the head coach of the boys and girls basketball teams at Providence Academy, Damon Johnson has decided to step down as the head girls basketball coach. He will continue to be the head boys basketball coach. This will give Coach Johnson more time to focus solely on the boys basketball program.

Coach Burns started coaching at Oak Hill Academy (2013) in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. He helped develop 3 NACA All-Americans, while winning 3 NACA National Championships (2016, 2017, 2018) and had multiple players go on to play at the collegiate and professional level.

Burns came to Providence Academy in July of 2020 to assist with the Boys’ program, once again helping develop multiple college players, while winning the 2022 NCSAA National Championship. He also coached and developed two All District Players (Chadwick & McAllister).

In 10 years as an Assistant Coach, Burns has helped the teams achieve a record of 245-81, a 75% winning percentage. Coach Burns has been at Providence Academy the last three years in various roles and currently serves in administration as the Dean of Boys. Burns completed his undergrad at Campbellsville University where he worked with the school’s football team and University of Louisville’s FCA. He later completed his Master’s in Executive Leadership at Liberty University while coaching at Oak Hills. Coach Burns states that his coaching philosophy involves promoting a culture of joy both on and off the court. He went on to say, “ I see coaching as a ministry.”

A Christ-centered school with the highest ACT average in the region for the past 18 years, Providence Academy is gaining traction in its athletic program. Head of School Ben Holland along with Athletic Director and TSSAA Hall of Famer, George Pitts, have expressed a commitment to building a solid and competitive program while maintaining a gospel-focused and college preparatory experience. Over the past year, PA has made many leaps in their athletics program, welcoming several coaches who Holland refers to as “leaders in the community in both faith and athletics.” These hires include World Series Champion Jeff Reed to lead the baseball program, former NFL player and Superbowl winner, Daniel Kilgore to lead the new Football program, former UT Vol Damon Johnson to coach varsity basketball, and decorated college standout Taylor Goines to coach volleyball. Pitts shared, “I’m happy to announce that Michael Burns, who was the boys basketball assistant coach, has been promoted to the head girls basketball coach. Coach Burns’ background in coaching at Oak Hill Academy and Providence Academy has prepared him for this opportunity. I’m excited about our boys and girls basketball programs at Providence Academy.”

Providence Academy is a non-denominational Christian school that implements a classical approach to education. Providence Academy is finishing up at 37,000 sq. ft. expansion allowing the school which has allowed PA to accept more students this upcoming school year than ever before. PA currently has 775 students enrolled from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Providence Academy is currently accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. There are limited openings in a variety of grades. Parents interested in Providence Academy may call (423) 854-9819 or view the school’s website at http://www.providenceacademy.com.