Two-Time State Champion Coach Matt Grimes Named Tabernacle Christian Athletic Director
Gardendale, AL – In a significant career move that highlights his dedication and success in high school athletics, Matt Grimes has been named the new Athletic Director at Tabernacle Christian School. Grimes, who has carved out a distinguished career as Tabernacle’s head basketball coach over the past 12 seasons, garnered attention for leading his teams to an astonishing seven state title game appearances and securing a pair of state titles in consecutive years, 2022 and 2023.
The Pensacola Christian College alum led the Torches to a 21-4 record and a third straight trip to the ACAA state title game in 2024.
Under his guidance, the Torches are riding an unparalleled 51-game winning streak on their home court, demonstrating Grimes’s ability to cultivate talent and instill a winning culture. Boasting an overall record of 228-91 and a region mark of 97-21, his coaching tenure at Tabernacle Christian School has been nothing short of spectacular.
Grimes, originally from Marshalltown, Iowa, brought his expertise to Tabernacle after serving as the head girls hoops coach at Tampa, FL’s Cambridge Christian School. Before his tenure at Cambridge, he gained experience as a head basketball coach and Athletic Director at Calvary Christian in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. His new role at Tabernacle marks a departure from his position on the TCS high school faculty, allowing him to dedicate his full attention to overseeing the Torches’ athletic program.
“Focusing solely on the Torches athletic program is intriguing to me,” said Grimes. He further expressed his eagerness to leverage his coaching experience on the hardwood to athletics across the board at Tabernacle, “We have an outstanding sports program at TCS having won state championships in every sport over the last 12 years.” Grimes also shared his anticipation for enhancing athlete development outside the classroom and his plans for improving athletic facilities and expanding live broadcasts of TCS athletic events.
Reflecting on his career and the impact of his Christian education, Grimes stated, “Growing up attending a Christian school has grown into a lifetime of being thankful for the opportunity to do this every day.” His commitment to fostering an environment conducive to both spiritual, athletic and personal growth for his athletes is evident.
Tabernacle Christian School Superintendent Andrew Peters praised Grimes’s contributions, emphasizing the value of promoting from within. “For the past twelve years, Coach Grimes has been an important member of the Tabernacle family. His organization, leadership, experience, and dedication will be invaluable as he takes the reins of our athletic department,” Peters remarked. “We look forward to many years under his leadership.”
Grimes will remain as the Torches head varsity basketball coach. His first move as Athletic Director will be naming Tabernacle’s next head football coach which the program plans to officially announce in late April.
With a history of elevating each program he’s been part of and a forward-looking vision for Tabernacle’s athletic future, Matt Grimes’s appointment as Athletic Director is poised to bring a new era of success and growth to the Torches’ sports programs.
