ASHEBORO – Mike Headen has never been a head coach of a high school program, but taking that role with the Asheboro girls’ basketball team seems natural.
“It’s a new experience, but I think it’s a good thing,” Headen said.
Headen is moving up from assistant coach to replace Don Corry, who has stepped aside after two seasons in his second go-around in charge of the team.
“We felt like we had the best guy right here in front of us to be our girls’ basketball coach,” athletics director Wes Berrier said. “He has a lot of passion for the sport.”
Headen has spent 14 years on the Asheboro football staff and four seasons with girls’ basketball. His first basketball assignment came with helping the junior varsity girls when David Hayes was running the program.
Berrier said this latest transition comes at a good time because of some of the developing younger players in the Asheboro program.
The Blue Comets played in the Class 3-A state championship game in 2021. But with a roster overhaul last season, the team dipped to a 4-20 record.
“We’re hoping to make it a little brighter,” Headen said. “The girls have to get used to me as a head coach instead of an assistant.”
Headen, who turns 43 in August, is a dock worker for Old Dominion Freight Line in Greensboro. That work schedule enables him to be available for late-afternoon practices, something that has been part of his routine for more than a dozen years.
He had directed the Asheboro entry in the recent summer league held at Uwharrie Charter Academy. That was a good step toward this next role.
“Every game we got a little better,” he said.
As for style changes on the court, Headen said he’s inclined in implement a more aggressive defensive strategy than the Blue Comets have used in the past.
Headen’s son, DJ Headen, plays football and basketball for the Blue Comets.
