May 31, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
Less than a week after stepping down as the DCHS Tigerette Softball Coach, Danny Fish has tendered his resignation as physical education teacher and Lady Tiger basketball Coach at DeKalb County High School and has been named head basketball coach of the Warren County Pioneers.
“I am writing this letter to officially resign as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Physical Education teacher at DCHS effective June 1, 2022,” wrote Coach Fish in a letter to DCHS Principal Bruce Curtis.
“This has been a very difficult decision to make because DeKalb is the place that I have called home for most of my life. I would like to thank everyone for their friendships, kindness and advice you have given me throughout my time here. Ten years ago, I was truly blessed when the DeKalb Board of Education decided to hire me. This experience has molded me into the coach, father and husband I am today,” Coach Fish continued.
“I have loved being employed in the system I grew up in and have always felt it was a privilege and honor. To be at the school I graduated from in 1996 was surreal. My family and I have been very blessed to be surrounded by friends and colleagues that cared about what was happening on the field/court/classroom but also interested in our lives. I have tried to do things here to the best of my abilities and tried to make the best out of every situation. Within the department I have been a team player when it comes to helping anyone in any way possible. Whether it be on field/ court or in the classroom I have tried to teach and set examples for students with character, integrity and accountability to carry out my vision of what I thought being a DeKalb County Tiger was all about. I have truly cherished all the memories that I have had with each and every person here. With all that said I think it is time for us to move on to new challenges, new adventures, new things. I will never forget some of the things we have been able to do for DCHS students and I will never forget the things DeKalb has done for me and my family. I wish everyone the best in the future and my family, and I will truly miss each one of you,” Coach Fish said.
In his six years as head coach of the Lady Tiger basketball program, Coach Fish compiled an overall record of 90-89 with Regional Tournament appearances in 2016, 2017, and 2018 including a final 8 finish in the Class AA State Tournament. In 2018 the Lady Tigers were 2018 Region runners-up Sectionals Champions.
As softball coach, Fish oversaw a program that had three State tournament appearances, six district championships, five regional championships, and an overall record of 108-63.
In a statement to WJLE, Coach Fish said he is excited about this new chapter in his life.
“First off, it is an honor for me to be the next Head Basketball Coach at Warren County High! I am overly excited about the opportunity to coach in Warren, which has always been known as a county of resilience and achievement. I plan to bring that same mentality to the Warren Basketball program. I would like to Thank Dr. Grant Swallows, Mr. Clark George and Mr. Willmore for entrusting me with this great opportunity and I look forward to establishing a relationship with the school community. To my future players: I am ready to get started building relationships on and off the court because that is a prerequisite to being successful on the court and in anything you want to do in life. We have the Motto in my programs WE over ME. It is always about the team because few burdens are heavy when everyone lifts. My family and I look forward to this new opportunity and We look forward to meeting everyone!! GO PIONEERS,” said Coach Fish.
Warren County High School released the following statement on the hiring of Coach Fish.
“We are excited to announce the hiring of Coach Danny Fish as the new Head Coach of the Warren County Men’s Basketball program. Danny brings over 20 years of coaching experience to WCHS. He joins us after stints at DeKalb County, Union College (NAIA), Maryville College (NCAA DIII) and Tennessee Wesleyan (NAIA) where coached 2 sports women’s basketball and women fastpitch softball.
At his recent stint at DeKalb County High School he led the women’s basketball program to a 90-89 overall record with 3 Regional tournament appearances, 1 Regional Final Runners up, 1 Sectional Championship and in 2018 to a TSSAA State Tournament Birth. In 2018 Coach Fish was awarded with the Pat Summitt AA Coach of the Year.
Coach Fish accomplishments over his 20 years:
Team
DeKalb (basketball) Overall 90-89
2016,2017, 2018 Regional Appearances
2018 Regional Runner UP
2018 Sectional Champions
2018 AA State FInal 8
DeKalb (softball) Overall 108-63
2017, 2018 District & Regional Championships
Union College 70-64 (Softball)
2010 Appalachian Athletic Conference Champions
2010 NAIA World Series
Maryville College 159-115(Softball and basketball)
2007 NCAA National Tournament
2003 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions (SB)
2004 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions
2005 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions
2007 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions
2009 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions
2004 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions and Tournament Champions(BB)
2005 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions and Tournament Champions(BB)
2006 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions and Tournament Champions(BB)
2004 NCAA Tournament Berth(BB)
2005 NCAA Tournament Berth(BB)
2006 NCAA Tournament Berth(BB)
Individual
1998-1999 Tennessee-Virginia Athletic All Conference Baseball Team
1999-2000 Tennessee-Virginia Athletic All Conference Baseball Team
1999-2000 Region 12 All Region Team
2004 Great South Athletic Coach of the Year(softball)
2007 Great South Athletic Coach of the Year(softball)
2009 Great South Athletic Coach of the Year(softball)
2014 8AA Coaching Staff of the Year (softball)
2016 8AA Coaching Staff of the Year (softball)
2017 8AA Coaching Staff of the Year (softball)
2018 8AA Coaching Staff of the Year (basketball)
2018 BCAT Pat Summit AA Coach Of the Year