Janiya Downs, a former standout basketball player whose high school career at South Rowan High School rewrote the record books, has stepped into a new role as head coach of the varsity program at Faith Academy Charter School. The transition follows years of competition, a master’s degree in business administration, and a current position at the Salisbury VA Medical Center.
A Record‑Setting Legacy
During her senior year she erupted for 52 points in a 76‑72 victory and followed it with 53 points in a heartbreaking 61‑60 loss, finishing with a school‑record 2,371 points that eclipsed Avery Locklear’s previous mark by nearly 600. Her high school résumé also includes two Tracy Connor Rowan County Female Athlete of the Year awards and a junior‑year semifinal win over Salisbury in the Christmas Tournament, a game she still recalls as her favorite memory.
Beyond basketball she excelled in volleyball and track, and after a five‑year stint at Catawba College — where she overcame early injuries to help the team capture a regional championship and reach the Final Four — she earned an MBA and now balances her professional work with coaching duties.
Coaching Philosophy and Community Impact
Downs’ coaching philosophy centers on structured training, open‑gym sessions and a culture of teamwork, aiming to give young players the same mentorship she received from veterans like Coach John Davis, who previously led the boys’ squad at Faith Academy. She believes every drill should translate into confidence on and off the court.
Her first season at Faith Academy has already been marked by intensive skill drills and a focus on growth mindset, as she blends her business acumen with a passion for developing the next generation of athletes. Community members have praised her commitment, noting that her background as a multi‑sport athlete and scholar‑athlete adds a unique perspective to the school’s athletic department.