Coach's Corner: "A Life Purpose on the Hardwood"

Danny Fish (@dannyrayfish) has been defined by sports since the moment he could draw breath. Growing up in a small rural town in Tennessee, the Volunteer State, where life revolved around working on the farm, going to school, and playing ball, he discovered early that athletics weren’t just a pastime; they were a way of life. Basketball was his first love, a game he fell for in the backyard while copying the moves of Magic, Larry, and Mike, whether facing neighborhood kids or an imaginary “ghost man.” By high school, Danny was excelling in both basketball and baseball, proving himself a true two-sport athlete.

Although basketball captured his heart, it was baseball that opened doors. At 6’0, point guards weren’t at the top of recruiters’ lists, but his size and skill set fit the diamond perfectly. Danny earned a scholarship to play baseball at Motlow State Community College, a tremendous achievement as a first-generation college student. He kept his passion for hoops alive through intramurals, but baseball provided the scholarships that carried him forward. After JUCO, he continued his career with another scholarship at Tennessee Wesleyan University, extending his run on the diamond.

Like many young athletes finishing college, Danny was unsure what came next. The answer came through family. His sister was on the fastpitch softball team, and when he helped out, he discovered a new passion. At season’s end, the coach offered him a position as an assistant. Within a year, he was the lead assistant and head JV coach. That summer, a chance conversation led to his hiring at Maryville College, where he became head softball coach and assistant women’s basketball coach at a Division III powerhouse.

At Maryville, Danny thrived under Hall of Famer Dee Bell and Division III legend Randy Lambert. The success was immediate: four straight conference championships, four national tournament appearances, and valuable lessons learned at one of the most respected programs in the country. His career appeared to be firmly planted in basketball and softball, but life shifted in year five when his son was born. Choosing family first, Danny stepped away, believing his coaching career might be finished.

The next decade took him through another college role and then back to his hometown high school. While coaching and teaching, fate intervened again. The principal called him in and explained that the newly hired basketball coach had resigned. She asked Danny to fill in through the end of the season. He agreed with the plan to reevaluate later. That one season has since turned into ten years, 175 wins, three district championships, a state tournament appearance, eight college signees, and countless memories.

Today, with 24 years of coaching behind him, Danny’s “why” remains the same. He loves people. He wants to mentor kids in the same situations he once lived. For him, coaching is a mission field, a way to serve others. At Warren County High School, he preaches brotherhood and selflessness: “We want the light within to shine brighter than the lights that are on us.” His message is rooted in faith; God gave these young athletes their talents, and it is their responsibility to use them to lift others up.

Danny believes consistency matters more than raw talent. He pushes his players to show up every day, get better, and “stack blocks” even when it’s hard. Coaching is about much more than basketball, but about teaching life skills. Only a small fraction will play professionally or even in college, but all will become professionals in life as mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and leaders. Danny’s mission is to prepare them for that future.

As he looks ahead, Danny remains energized. Each morning begins at 5 a.m. with the mindset that one day the ball will stop bouncing, but until then, every day and every talent must be maximized. Returning five starters and seven seniors this season, he is eager to see their growth and the legacy they leave behind. His vision for Warren County basketball is simple but powerful: show up, work your tail off, show out, and keep the main thing the main thing. Stay passionate about the game, avoid distractions, and, above all, know that you are loved.

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Career Résumé

Maryville College (2002–2009)

Head Women’s Fastpitch Softball Coach / Director of Game Management

Overall Record: 159–115–1 | Conference Record: 80–30–1

2007 NCAA Central Regional Tournament Berth

2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 Great South Athletic Regular Season Champions

Responsibilities: practices, game management, recruiting, academic monitoring, budgeting, strength and conditioning, scheduling, fundraising

Maryville College (2002–2005)

Administrative Assistant, Women’s Basketball

Responsibilities: practice planning, strength programs, budgeting, recruiting, academics, daily operations, records

Tennessee Wesleyan College (2002–2003)

Head Developmental Coach (Record 24–14)

Administrative Assistant, Women’s Basketball

Additional Roles (2003–2009)

Game management for soccer and basketball, overseeing home events

NCAA Tournament Manager for first-round women’s basketball (2003–2006)

NCAA Regional Tournament Manager for men’s soccer (2005), women’s soccer (2006), and Great South Athletic Conference softball (2006)

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Volunteer Service

Read Across America (2022–present)

Habitat for Humanity (2022)

Special Games of McMinnville (2022–present)

Family Resource Center food delivery (2022)

Operation Preparation Mentor Program (2012)

Battle for the Brass Can Food Drive (2011)

Girl Scouts Day Camp (2007)

Wages and Benefits Committee, Maryville College (2007–09)

Safety and Security Committee, Maryville College (2005–06)

NCAA YES Clinic sponsored by PowerAde (2005)

Special Olympics Volunteer, Heritage High School (2002–09)

Volunteer Assistant Men’s Baseball, Tennessee Wesleyan (2000–01)

Tiger Basketball Camps, Smithville, TN (1995–01)

Youth Mentoring, Tennessee Wesleyan (1998–99), Motlow State (1997–98)

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Professional Memberships

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (2001–02, 2009–2012)

National Fastpitch Coaches Association (2002–10)

Tennessee Coaches Association (2012–present)

Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee (2016–present)

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Warren County Board of Education

2022-present

WCHS Physical Education Department Head / Teacher /

Men’s Basketball Coach

Responsibilities included practice sessions, game management, day-to-day operations, recruiting, clinics, academic monitoring, and budget management, strength and conditioning, scheduling, and fundraising

Physical Education Department Head

Overall Varsity Record 52-39

District Record 24 - 6

2023 6AAAA Regular Season District Champions

2023 6AAAA District Tournament Champions

2023 Region 3AAAA Appearance

2024 3rd Place 9AAAA Regular Season and Tournament

2024 Region 5AAAA Appearance

2025 9AAAA Regular Season District Champions

2025 Region 5AAAA Appearance

2 College signees

Dekalb County Board of Education

2012- 2022

DCHS Physical Education / Wellness Teacher

DCHS Head Women’s Basketball / Fastpitch Softball Coach

Responsibilities included practice sessions, game management, day-to-day operations, recruiting, clinics, academic monitoring, and budget management, strength and conditioning, scheduling, and fundraising

Overall Record Fastpitch Softball 87-44

2017 District 8AA Champions Regular Season

2017 District 8AA Tournament Champions

2017 Region 4AA Regional Champions

2017 Section 2AA Substate Appearance

2018 District 8AA Regular Season Runner Up

2018 District 8AA Tournament Champions

2018 Region 4AA Regional Champions

2018 Section 2AA Substate Appearance

2019 District 8AA Runner Up

2019 District 8AA District Tournament Runner Up

2019 District 8AA Regional Appearance

12 College Signees in 5 years

Overall Basketball 75-75

2016 Regional Appearance

2017 Regional Appearance

2018 Regional Runner Up

2018 Sectional Champions

2018 TSSAA State Tournament Appearance

2019 Regional Appearance

6 College Signees in 5 years

2012-2015 DCHS Assistant Softball Coach / Northside Elementary School Physical Education Teacher

Responsibilities included practice sessions, game management, day-to-day operations, clinics, academic monitoring, and budget management, strength and conditioning, scheduling, and fundraising

2014 TSSAA State Tournament Berth

2015 TSSAA State Tournament Berth

2016 TSSAA State Tournament Berth

2016 TSSAA Final 4