After competing in basketball and football at the University of Michigan, Kelvin Grady wanted to play professionally.  When those hopes didn’t come together, coaching became his passion.

“Coaching saved me,” said Grady, who led the FHC girls to a 27-19 record in his two years. “I came to a realization that I wasn’t going to play pro ball, but coaching these girls has been the second best thing.”

After two years of coaching girls basketball at Forest Hills Central, Grady has decided to step down.  Athletic director Clark Udell is thankful for Grady’s influence on the girls basketball program.

“Under the guidance of Coach Grady, the girls basketball team has exceeded previous expectations,”  Udell said.  “He managed to help bring us our first regional championship and consecutive winning records.  It is a shame to see him go.”

According to Grady, he may be missing the girls more than they miss him.

“These girls have really changed my life,” Grady said. “I’ve grown close to these girls the past two years, and I truly believe that they’ve taught me more about life than I’ve taught them about the game of basketball.”

Grady has decided that it’ll be beneficial for him to take some time off.

“I’ll miss FHC, but I need to do what’s best for me,” Grady said. “With more time on my hands, I’ll have the opportunity to spend more time with my three-year-old daughter and focus more on my career.”

 Udell understands Grady’s desire to focus on other areas of his life.

“I respect his decision,” Udell said. “He knows that there are more important things in life than basketball, and as much as I hate to see him go, I honor his decision.”

According to Udell, applications are being accepted, but there is no set timetable for hiring a new coach.