Leon Boulware, a former Rock Hill player, returns as head coach, promising to build champions in academics and athletics.
ROCK HILL, S.C. β In a ceremony held inside the Rock Hill High School gym on Wednesday, the Rock Hill Schools introduced their new football coach, Leon Boulware. The event was marked by heartfelt speeches and a palpable sense of excitement as the community welcomed back one of their own.
Boulware, a graduate and former player of Rock Hill High School, brings with him 18 years of coaching experience. He was a member of the 2006 state championship football team. During the ceremony, Boulware expressed his gratitude to the search committee, his family, and the community.Β
“I’m looking forward to being here, and I wanna also thank my family, my wife and my kids for all the support that they always offer and give,” he said.Β
Boulware emphasized the importance of hard work, pride, and showing up for one another.Β
“This community taught us about hard work, pride, showing up for one another, and now the incredible privilege of passing on the legacy to the next generation of athletes,” he said.
Boulware said his coaching philosophy centers around meeting players where they are and helping them achieve their academic and athletic goals. He has led teams to Upstate championship games and has been named Coach of the Year multiple times.Β
His commitment to developing the whole student-athlete was evident as he spoke about pushing players in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.Β
“We want to develop the whole student-athlete, so we’re gonna develop and make sure that we’re academically eligible,” he said. “We have a lot of athletes in South Carolina and Rock Hill alone that can play at the next level. So we’re gonna push them in the classroom. We’re gonna push them on the field, and then we’re gonna push them in the community.”
The new coach also highlighted the importance of community support, urging fans to show up to games and getting involved.
“We’re gonna challenge the community to come out, and put those shirts on. We’re gonna get out in the community as well as players and coaches, and we’re gonna make sure that we’re working for our community and not just having our community work for us.”
As the ceremony concluded, Boulware’s enthusiasm for the upcoming season was clear. He expressed his eagerness to start spring practice and his commitment to making Rock Hill football a program that everyone can be proud of.Β
“We’re gonna compete in every football game. We’re gonna challenge everybody. We’re gonna upset a lot of people.”
Boulware comes from the Kershaw County School District, where in 2024 he was named Lugoff-Elgin High School head football coach and student activities director.Β
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