Beaufort Academy didn’t have to look far to find its next boys basketball coach – he was already in town.
The Eagles on Wednesday announced former Beaufort High School coach Nate Livesay will take over the program, replacing longtime coach Chip Dinkins, who stepped down last month citing health concerns.
Livesay has an impressive resume, having compiled a 192-87 record and six region championships in 11 seasons as a head coach. He spent eight years at Sumter High School before taking over at Beaufort High, where he won the region title and led the Eagles to their first playoff win in a decade in his second season at the helm. Livesay left Beaufort High in May in what athletics director Linc Lyles called a mutual decision based largely on Livesay exploring other interests. Livesay has long been involved with the World Orphans organization and has served on numerous mission trips with the group.
“With Nate Livesay’s unprecedented success as a head coach, we are extremely excited about Livesay coming on board and the future of BA’s boys basketball program,” BA athletics director Neal McCarty said in a release. “As concerned as I was the day Chip Dinkins informed me he was stepping down, I am even more excited that Livesay is our next head coach. We are excited to have Coach Livesay continue to build on the foundation that Chip Dinkins has left.”
Livesay said he was impressed during the interview process with McCarty and Head of School Dr. Dan Durbin and the passion they displayed for BA’s students.
“Every conversation has been pointed to one thing – how to use athletics to make the students of Beaufort Academy the best they can be on and off the court,” Livesay said. “I am excited about the opportunity to stay in Beaufort, and I’m fired up to work in an environment where everyone is dedicated to a common goal.”
