DACULA, Ga. – Hebron Christian Academy Director of Athletics Taylor Davis has announced the hiring of Christi Thomas as the new Head Girls Basketball Coach. A former WNBA player and University of Georgia standout, Thomas brings championship-level experience, proven leadership, and a passion for building a winning culture.
"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to lead a program of this magnitude, and I'm especially grateful to be at Hebron Christian Academy, where I can lead with my faith first," said Coach Thomas. "I am deeply passionate about helping our student-athletes understand that we can pursue excellence and compete at a high level while still honoring God in everything we do."
Thomas has a deep love for the Lord and a heart for developing student-athletes beyond the game. She is committed to building a program that competes at a high level while investing in the spiritual growth of its players, helping them grow in their relationships with Christ and develop into leaders and role models on and off the court.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Thomas to Hebron," said HCA Head of School Dr. James Taylor. "Her love for the Lord, her passion for people, and her commitment to developing young women make her a perfect fit for our community. Coach Thomas brings an impressive basketball résumé, but what stands out most is her desire to invest in the lives of her players, helping them grow not only as athletes, but in their faith and character. We believe God has uniquely prepared her for this role, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will have on our students and our program."
Thomas had a seven-year career in the WNBA, playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, and Chicago Sky, and spent nine seasons competing internationally in Spain, Russia, Latvia, Israel, Italy, and Turkey.
"We are excited to welcome Christi Thomas to the Hebron community," said Director of Athletics Taylor Davis. "She is one of Gwinnett County's greats, and even more importantly, she brings a passion for the game that is matched by her love for Jesus. She will be a strong role model for our young ladies, and I look forward to seeing how she develops them both on and off the floor."
A standout at Buford High School, Thomas scored over 2,100 career points, led her team to a state runner-up finish, and was named Miss Georgia Basketball in 2000.
Prior to her professional career, Thomas starred at the University of Georgia, where she was named SEC Freshman of the Year and earned All-SEC honors three times from 2001–2004. She was selected 12th overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft. Thomas also represented the United States as a member of the Under-20 National Team, winning a gold medal and earning all-tournament honors.
"My heart is for our students, K4 through 12th grade, to know that their identity in Christ far outweighs their identity in sports," said Thomas. "Athletics is simply a platform to glorify God through the gifts we have all been given, and it provides a powerful opportunity to build character, discipline, and purpose.
Following her playing career, Thomas transitioned into coaching and player development, dedicating herself to training the next generation of athletes. Her coaching experience includes time with Perimeter Christian Schools and the Cambridge feeder program, as well as roles at Northview High School, Flowery Branch High School, Jackson County High School, and most recently Seckinger High School. While at Northview, she was recognized as Community Coach of the Year (2015–2016), and she helped lead Flowery Branch to back-to-back Final Four appearances in 2017 and 2018.
In 2015, she was inducted into the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the game of basketball.
"I am committed to developing the whole athlete, spiritually, mentally, and physically, while fostering a culture that reflects integrity, humility, and excellence. I'm excited to walk alongside these young women as they grow not only as competitors, but more importantly, as confident individuals grounded in their faith."
Thomas earned her bachelor's degree in Consumer Economics from the University of Georgia and holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix, along with an Education Specialist degree from Piedmont University.
Meet Coach Thomas!
A parent and community meet and greet is scheduled for
Wednesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. in Lions Arena. Come out and meet Coach Thomas and hear from the new leader of Hebron girls basketball!
What people are saying about Coach Thomas
Andy Landers - Former University of Georgia Head Coach and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2007
"Hebron just hit a home run by hiring Christi Thomas as their new girls basketball head coach. She will be an outstanding ambassador for Hebron Christian Academy, a terrific coach, and a wonderful role model for students and athletes. Congratulations, Hebron!"
Sherill Baker - Assistant Coach at George Washington University (Former college and WNBA teammate)
"Christi has earned this opportunity. One of her greatest strengths as a player was her love for the game and her leadership. She was an outstanding teammate and an even better person. Being from the same state, I am proud and happy for her. The Hebron community will love Christi."
Marybeth Lycett Smart - Former teammate at the University of Georgia (Wife of UGA Football Coach Kirby Smart)
"I've been fortunate to know Christi Thomas for nearly three decades. She has been successful at virtually every level of basketball. Christi is the ultimate teammate and leader, and I am incredibly proud to call her my friend. Her knowledge and experience in women's basketball will be invaluable in building the Hebron brand and a winning culture."
