A.J. Clark, a 2012 Western Alamance graduate, was recently appointed as an assistant coach on the men’s basketball staff at Appalachian State University, bringing a home‑state perspective after seven years abroad.
Having honed his craft at Eastern Kentucky and earlier stints at Groundwork Player Development and Young Harris College, Clark will focus on nurturing the team’s guards while drawing on his own experience as a player who earned Conference Carolinas Player of the Year at Pfeiffer College.
A Vision for Guard Development
Head coach Dustin Kearns praised the new addition, calling Clark a rising star whose energy and passion for coaching complement the program’s recent surge, which includes a 19‑13 record last season and a streak of unbeaten games since the 2018‑19 campaign.
Clark’s return coincides with the Mountaineers’ participation in the Sun Belt Conference, a partnership that provides additional resources and excitement as the program looks to build on its strong football foundation.
During the transition, Clark has been residing in a hotel, a temporary arrangement that underscores his commitment to establishing roots in the community and leveraging in‑state recruiting connections.
Beyond the court, Clark’s background includes coaching under Jeremy Currier at Young Harris College and a stint at Georgia Southwestern State University, experiences that have prepared him to mentor young talent both on and off the hardwood.
The appointment reflects a broader ambition to blend veteran insight with fresh energy, positioning the Mountaineers for continued growth in a competitive landscape.