Former NBA Player Hired as New Sparta High School Coach

Sparta High School made national headlines earlier this summer when they announced that the former NBA player, Lindsey Hunter, has been hired as their new boys’ varsity basketball coach.

Hunter’s connection to the community started when he heard of Griffin Gullekson, a Sparta High School basketball player who had been diagnosed with cancer. Inspired by Griffin’s story, Hunter brought his nonprofit, the Lindsey Hunter Foundation, to the Sparta area. This organization is aimed at supporting underserved youth and empowering them to turn their pain into purpose. Through the foundation, Hunter has started the Lindsey Hunter Elite travel hoops team. On the team is Gullekson as well as other students impacted by cancer. He also has hosted multiple basketball camps for middle schoolers and high schoolers alike to grow in skill and community.

“Relationships really matter to Sparta, and Lindsey saw the value Sparta has in the community… [he] just fell in love with the community, and when he saw the posting up, he jumped right on it,” said Ali Johnston, the Sparta High School Assistant Athletic Director.

Hunter’s goals are bigger than just coaching a team that will perform well on the court. He also wants to instill important values such as discipline and teamwork into the team, creating not only great players, but great people as well.

“Coaching is probably what I was born to do.” Hunter said, “Playing and coaching basketball is something I will always want to be around, and the opportunity came, and we thought it was a great opportunity at the right time, and we said yes.”

Sparta High School and the Sparta community are thrilled to welcome Lindsey Hunter. He will make a great addition to not only the High School Athletics Department, but also to our small-town family.