Coach Jarvis Varnado to lead AHS Girls Basketball

Arlington High School is turning to a familiar face and a proven builder to lead its girls basketball program.

Coach Jarvis Varnado, who has spent the past two seasons leading Arlington Middle School Boys Basketball, has been selected as the next head coach of the AHS girls team. Known for his deep knowledge of the game and player-first approach, Varnado brings both experience and momentum to the role.

At AMS, Varnado quickly made an impact by reshaping the program and setting a new standard. In his first season, the team exceeded expectations with a run to the championship game. This past season, the Tigers finished 13-6, earning runner-up in the district. The boys also reached the platinum bracket in the 901 Tournament of Champions, placing them among the top middle school teams in the Memphis metro area.

That steady growth is exactly what excites AHS Principal Chris Davis about what’s ahead.

“Coach Varnado is someone who has always been about the game,” AHS Principal Davis said. “He understands it at every level, and you see that in the way he develops players. He builds from the fundamentals, but what really stands out to me is how he coaches in the moment. He’s quick to read the game, make adjustment and put his players in the best position to succeed."

Varnado’s background speaks for itself. A 6-foot-10 former NCAA all-time leader in blocked shots at Mississippi State and an NBA champion with the Miami Heat, he has played and coached at the highest levels of basketball. His first head coaching experience in a school setting came at Arlington Middle, where he quickly found his footing and built a competitive, disciplined program.

Now, he’s ready for the next step.

“Basketball’s been my life,” Varnado said. “I’ve played at a high level, I’ve been coached by some of the best, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. There’s always a process with a new team, but if we come in every day and work on our craft, you’ll see the growth. It’s about getting on the court, training together and putting in the work. That’s when you’ll see confidence starting to build.”

That process is one he’s already proven.

At the middle school level, Varnado emphasized discipline, fundamentals and daily development while creating a culture where players improved steadily and competed with confidence. Now, he’ll look to carry that same approach to the high school level, where his familiarity with Arlington students and the community gives him a strong foundation.