A Coach’s Journey

In the world of college basketball, few names shine as brightly as Leonard Hamilton. As he gears up for his 23rd season at the helm of Florida State’s basketball program, Hamilton’s journey back to his roots in Gastonia, North Carolina, serves as a poignant reminder of where it all began – at Gaston College.

On October 9, 2024, Hamilton found himself at the Hilton in Uptown Charlotte for the ACC’s annual media day. For the legendary coach, these Charlotte visits are an opportunity to reconnect with his hometown and the institution that shaped his future.

In recent years, these visits have included a cherished tradition – a conversation with Dr. John Hauser, the current president of Gaston College. This year was no exception. “I had a conversation with John this morning,” Hamilton shared, his voice tinged with pride. “We talked and I was happy to hear he’s encouraged and excited about the athletic program and trying to make it a significant part of the college community. He’s serious about wanting it to be at a level that brings a lot of positive recognition to the school. So, I see it continuing to grow and move in the right direction.”

Hamilton’s enthusiasm for Gaston College’s athletic program is deeply personal. As a 1968 graduate, he was part of two of the school’s most successful basketball teams. Now, he watches with pride as the college, under Hauser’s leadership, breathes new life into its athletic program. Restarted in the fall of 2021 after a nearly 50-year hiatus, the program now boasts teams in women’s cross country, men’s basketball, women’s beach volleyball, baseball, and softball.

For Hamilton, the value of college athletics extends far beyond the court or field. “I think athletics just improves the quality of life for the students,” he reflected. “It brings the students together, gives them a sense of pride and uplifts their spirits. But you want to do it in an efficient manner.”

Hamilton’s connection to Gaston College runs deep, and his gratitude is palpable. “Gaston College probably saved my life to be real honest with you, because I was probably 10 days from joining the army,” he admitted. Originally planning to play football at Livingstone College or considering enlisting in the military during the Vietnam War, Hamilton’s path was forever altered by the determined recruiting efforts of Pete Brooks, Gaston College’s basketball coach at the time.

“I thought the atmosphere at Gaston College and the patience that teachers showed me helped me adjust to an elevated academic environment. And the administration gave me little jobs to have a little money in my pocket,” Hamilton recalled. One such job was as the campus mailman, a role that allowed him to form relationships with nearly everyone on campus.

Hamilton’s time at Gaston College was groundbreaking in more ways than one. Alongside teammate Larry Thompson, he was one of the first African-American athletes in the school’s history. Coach Brooks’ mentorship guided him through the experience, teaching him valuable lessons about life.

“Coach Brooks had a spirit about him where he recognized what I was going through,” Hamilton said. “His heart was in the right place, and he was just a wonderful human being who taught me a lot about how to adjust to life. I’ll always be indebted to him for the time and patience he took to help me transition from a teenager to a young adult at Gaston College. I’m unbelievably grateful and appreciative to the entire Gaston College community for helping me realize my potential and point me in the right direction.”

Hamilton’s basketball prowess at Gaston College was impressive. He was a top scorer for teams that went 16-2 and 19-15, respectively, and advanced to the NJCAA Region 10 for the first time in any sport in school history. He even set a school record for points in a game with 54 in January 1968, amassing 917 points over his two seasons.

As Hamilton continues to make his mark in the world of college basketball, with 662 head coaching victories and inductions into multiple athletic halls of fame, he never forgets where his journey began. “I expect the school to have a program that makes everybody proud, even us guys that played, back in the day,” he said. “I like being able to walk around with pride wearing a Gaston College T-shirt.”

From a young man at a crossroads to a legendary coach, Leonard Hamilton’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and athletics. And at the heart of that story lies Gaston College, a place that continues to shape lives and futures, just as it did for Hamilton all those years ago.