Meet Coach Al Young

Championships may fill the record books, but true coaching greatness is measured by the lives impacted along the way. Few coaches embody that truth more completely than Coach Al Young.

For more than five decades, Coach Young has dedicated his life to leadership, mentorship, and excellence—first as an athlete, then as a professional football player, educator, and one of the most accomplished coaches in South Carolina history. His journey reflects an unwavering commitment to developing people, building winning cultures, and leading with humility, integrity, and purpose.

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Coach Young graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. He was a key contributor on back-to-back state championship football teams, including an undefeated championship season that helped establish the foundation for a lifetime of competitive excellence.

Coach Young continued his athletic and academic career at South Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree while becoming one of the school's standout football players. A three-year starter at tight end, he demonstrated remarkable versatility by starting at both tight end and free safety during his senior season. His collegiate honors included MVP of the Pumpkin Classic, Sportsmanship Award recipient, Most Outstanding Receiver, and multiple All-Conference selections.

His success earned him a selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1971 NFL Draft. During his professional career, Coach Young contributed to a Steelers team on the rise, starting in regular season and postseason competition. In the 1972 AFC Championship Game, he led the Steelers in receiving, highlighted by a memorable one-handed touchdown reception. Though health concerns forced him to retire from professional football earlier than planned, what could have been viewed as the end of a dream became the beginning of an even greater calling.

That calling was coaching.

What followed was one of the most distinguished coaching careers in the Southeast. Beginning at Glenn Hills High School in Augusta, Georgia, Coach Young quickly established himself as a leader capable of developing athletes, building programs, and inspiring excellence. Over the decades, his impact would span football, basketball, and track and field, earning him numerous Coach of the Year honors and widespread respect from colleagues, players, and communities alike.

His coaching résumé is extraordinary:

10 State Championships
7 State Championship-winning teams as a Head Coach
12 Region Coach of the Year honors in Basketball
Multiple Coach of the Year recognitions across football, basketball, and track and field
South Carolina State University Hall of Fame Inductee
Augusta City Classic Hall of Fame Inductee
North Augusta High School Hall of Fame Inductee

As Head Girls Basketball Coach at North Augusta High School, Coach Young built one of the most dominant programs in the state. Since taking over the program in 2018, his teams have compiled an incredible 198-20 overall record, an astonishing 80-0 region record, eight consecutive region championships, six appearances in the state championship game, and five state titles.

Yet statistics tell only part of the story.

Players, coaches, and families consistently describe Coach Young as a teacher first. His ability to develop leaders, foster accountability, build trust, and create championship cultures has made him one of the most respected mentors in athletics. His approach extends far beyond X's and O's. He teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, servant leadership, and the habits required for sustained success both on and off the court.

His influence reaches beyond athletics as well. Coach Young earned a Master of Education degree from Cambridge University in Boston, Massachusetts, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning and leadership development. He has spent decades investing in young people, educators, coaches, and communities through service and mentorship.

A devoted man of faith, Coach Young serves as a Deacon at Runs Baptist Church, where he has held leadership roles in the Men's Ministry and Family & Friends Committee. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

At the center of his success is family. Coach Young has been married to his wife, Jackie, for more than 53 years. Together they have raised four sons and enjoy a growing legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Today, through Al Young Coaching Consulting, Coach Young is sharing the lessons learned from a lifetime of championship leadership. Whether working with coaches, athletic programs, administrators, teams, or emerging leaders, he brings a rare combination of elite-level experience, practical wisdom, and genuine humility.

His message is simple:

Championships are earned through preparation. Leadership is earned through service. Lasting success is built through people.

And few people have spent more time proving that than Coach Al Young.

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