Reprinted by permission of Carthage Couorier
Basketball is deeply rooted in Gordonsville High Tigerettes’ head coach Terri Brock’s life — who will take the reins of the program this season.
“Basketball has been a part of my life since early on in elementary school,” said Brock. “I have been fortunate along the path of my playing career — I have had some excellent coaches.”
Brock continued, “Not only have I been fortunate that I have played with some passionate coaches, I have also been fortunate to play with great teammates.”
“I have played for communities that have always been very supportive of basketball and the student athletes. I think all those things combined helped me have a great experience from a player’s standpoint and develop a love for basketball — that just put basketball in my heart.”
Brock brings that passion and competitiveness to her new post.
“I coached at a community college, but high school is the only level I have not experienced coaching,” said Brock, who has mentored teams at White County Middle School and as an assistant at Chattanooga State.
“I agreed to come in and interview. The minute I walked into the school and sat down with Mr. Petty (Mac Petty) and Mr. Storie (Bobby Storie) — I had this feeling that it was a great fit and that it was a place where I could come in and hopefully make a difference in these young ladies’ lives. I am so thankful and appreciative to Mr. Petty and Mr. (Barry) Smith for the opportunity.”
Being a Sparta native, the small-town atmosphere is not unfamiliar to the newest GHS coach as both communities share a welcoming vibe.
“Gordonsville is a very small community — similar to where I am from,” said Brock. “A lot of times in your small community, when you come in, they are very welcoming. It has been no different with these girls. Since the minute I met them, they have been the most awesome group of young ladies and so welcoming.
“I had met with people in the community before and they told me, ‘Hey, you are fortunate and you are about to work with a great group of young ladies.’ The time I have spent with these young ladies has been nothing short of amazing. They are not only great individuals off the court, but they are such hard workers on the court.”
The experience of a high school athlete often results in some of their most cherished memories, which Brock has experienced firsthand — and wants the same for her future Tigerettes.
“One of my close family members told me before taking the job, this should not be a question — basketball is just on your heart,” said Brock. “That is what I am looking forward to is just sharing that with these girls. Some of my best memories are from high school basketball, and I want these girls to look back and reflect on this time of their lives as some of the best memories as well.
“I not only look forward to developing them as players but as young ladies and citizens in society. I told them from day one my goal is to be there for them in any capacity that I need to be, whether it be on the court or off the court. I am looking forward to developing those relationships and camaraderie that comes with being on a team.”
BASKETBALL BEGINNINGS
The White County High School graduate experienced success early in her playing career as part of a state championship winning squad at White County Middle School.
The Warriorettes’ program reached the state tournament three of the four years — during Brock’s high school career.
White County made seven state tournament appearances during the 1990s — netting runner-up honors in 1991 and 1992.
As a member of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga squad, Brock was ranked nationally in three-point shooting percentage. The sharpshooter led UT-Chattanooga in made threes back-to-back seasons.
The Brock family has deep ties to the Sparta basketball community, with numerous members sporting the maroon and gray.
Brock’s father, Terry Brock, and uncle, Tim Brock, were both standout players for the Warriors’ program.
Tim Brock was inducted into the White County High School Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class. Terri Brock’s (who was a 1981 graduate) Warriorette career was highlighted by back-to-back state tournament appearances in 1980 and 1981. During his time in Sparta, Tim Brock was also a single game scoring record holder — with a 52-point performance. Brock was named Midstate Most Valuable Player of the Year by the Nashville Banner.
The new leader for the Tigerettes discussed her uncle’s impact and what drives her pursuit to coach.
“That is who I am really coaching for,” said Brock. “He passed away two years ago with brain cancer, and it was really rough. He was a competitor. I asked him one day, ‘Why did you love basketball so much?’ He said, ‘I just loved the competition.’ And that is exactly what I love about it. He is who I aspire to be like.”
Brock discussed her family’s basketball roots.
“Basketball has been part of my family going all the way back to both of my grandfathers who were great basketball players,” said Brock. “I have had aunts, uncles, and my mom also played basketball. So, I had a great introduction to the sport and a lot of great role models. My family is extremely important to me as the community will see.”
The Tigerettes’ summer camps gave their new head coach’s family a chance to immerse themselves in the Big Blue culture.
“My entire family is excited to be a part of the community,” said Brock. “They attended our camps during the summer, and they already have their Gordonsville gear.”
SUMMER START
Brock described the beginning of team camp and the squad’s immediate drive to improve.
“Day one, when I stepped in the gym — we just went to work,” said Brock. “I have enjoyed every second with them. I have told them that every time that we are in the gym — if we can just get 1 percent better — that is all could ask for them until the season rolls around.
“Those first few days, I was able to see where we were at and where we needed to go. Over the process of team camp, the improvement that I saw was unbelievable. Their overall attitudes were just excellent. I feel that we have an opportunity here to make a lot of progress and to be a successful program.”
Brock observed the Tigerettes’ strengths and weaknesses during their summer slate, while also implementing her style of play.
“I think one of their strengths is definitely their work ethic,” said Brock. “They are giving me 110 percent in practice, and to me that is important. I am big on effort and discipline. They are showing me that they have those things in practice. I would say that as camp went on — we learned to be a better transition team. That is my style — I love to run in transition and get the ball up-and-down the court.”
Brock continued, “I also think one of our strengths is defense and I feel that we will be able to score off our defense. One of the things we need to improve on overall as a team — is we need to be better shooters.”
Chemistry and a team bond will be key for Big Blue as they try to improve from a 4-24 record last season. Brock received a surprise from her players as she concluded her previous work engagement at Tennessee Tech University.
“My last week at Tennessee Tech, the girls sent flowers to my office congratulating me for being done there and saying they are ready for the season,” said Brock. “Basketball season is a grind and that bond will help carry us this season.”
FAMILY
The new Tigerettes’ head coach and Computer Science teacher at GHS will be making the transition with her husband of 21 years, Ronnie, and their children, Thomas, Lily, and Livie.
“That is my best friend, and he is super supportive and excited for this opportunity for me and just our family as a whole — to be a part of the Gordonsville community,” said Brock, whose oldest daughter, Lily, will play basketball and volleyball for Gordonsville Junior High. “Lily is a rising eighth grader. The girls have been very welcoming to her. She is looking forward to attending Gordonsville Junior High and being part of the community.”
Brock’s youngest daughter, Livie, will be a third grader this fall.
Thomas, the oldest of the trio, is a graduate of White County High where he was a key player for the Warriors’ 2023 state tournament run — the program’s first state tourney appearance since 2015. Thomas is currently pursuing a career as an electrician.
DISTRICT, COACHING STAFF
District 7A has been a hot bed for talent in the Class 1A landscape.
The Tigerettes’ ultra-competitive league includes defending 1A champion Pickett County, Clay County, Clarkrange and Red Boiling Springs — all of which have been perennial powerhouses in the classification.
The four programs that share Gordonsville’s District 7A have a combined 57 state tournament appearances, 15 state championships and seven runner-up finishes.
“I am definitely looking forward to being in our district,” said Brock. “I do not think you can face any better competition than what is in that district. The programs are excellent. You have the defending state champions (Pickett County), and they are coming back with a strong team. You have the winningest coach in Tennessee history in girls’ basketball (Lamar Rogers) and Clay County who has also been successful and went to state numerous times. I see it as an honor to compete in that district. I have a lot of respect for all of those coaches and programs that are in that district.
“I am looking forward to these girls competing. That is our motto this season — get better every day and compete day in and day out. I am looking forward to that.”
Brock will have the services of assistant coach Brad Burke courtside as the Tigerettes navigate the season looking for postseason glory. Burke will look to compliment Brock’s coaching style on the bench.
“He is a young aspiring coach, said Brock. “He is currently a student at Tennessee Tech. He is wanting to go into teaching and coaching. This is his first high school coaching experience. I am a very intense coach, and he is more analytical. He is able to talk to the players while I can stay focused on the court.”
The Gordonsville athletic program is steeped in tradition and has had its share of successful mentors — including its current coaches.
Brock is looking to evolve and learn from these coaches as she leads the Tigerettes.
“I have met most of the coaches at GHS, and they have been so helpful,” said Brock. “I am looking forward to learning from these coaches who have brought success to their own programs. Even though they are in different sports, I can still learn a lot from them.”
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