Turner Gym welcomed a new coach this year: longtime basketball enthusiast and Georgia native April Tate. Along with teaching Middle School Physical Education, Tate is the assistant coach for Varsity Girls Basketball.

Tate grew up in a small town near Augusta. She’s part of a close-knit family, and her siblings, who all still live in Georgia, remain a central part of her life. 

Tate participated in many sports as a child, including softball and track. But nothing could rival her passion for basketball. From the moment she experienced the energy of a heated game, felt the rush of a perfectly executed three-pointer, Tate knew where she belonged. She was a member of her high school’s basketball team, and aspired to incorporate the sport into her career. After high school, Tate decided to pursue a career in education, and ended up at a school in Savannah teaching physics and biology. Though she didn’t enjoy her primary position, coaching the school’s basketball team made up for it. “Teaching found me through my desire to be a coach,” says Tate. Although it wasn’t her first choice, education provided a route to her dream job, and she was determined to take it. 

After four years, Tate moved to Atlanta. She continued her coaching role at Dutchtown High School, Duluth High School, and Drew Charter before finally finding Westminster. She coaches the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team and teaches 6th and 7th grade PE classes. So far, Tate’s impression of the school is nothing but positive. “It feels like Disney World . . . I love the camaraderie, I love the community, I love the interaction with students and fellow teachers,” she says. Even the walk from Clarkson to Turner, a trek most students find unpleasant, is a perk for her. Tate enjoys the fresh air after long periods spent coaching in the gym and appreciates the daily workout. 

Even when she’s not working, Tate can’t stay away from basketball. She can be found in the stands at any game, varying from middle school to WNBA level. Tate takes every opportunity she gets to watch basketball, and her enthusiasm is unequaled.

Tate’s drive is apparent during her PE periods, too. “She really makes us do our best, even if we don’t like the unit,” says 6th grader Evelyn Stewart. “She’s a great teacher, though, and you can tell she loves her job.”