CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northwest High School Athletic Director Jason Greene has announced the hire of two head coaches for the Vikings.

Northwest hired Thomas Stanley as their new boy’s basketball coach, and Rae Howard as the new girl’s volleyball coach. Each coach has prior playing and coaching experience in Clarksville.

Thomas Stanley

Stanley was a Northeast High graduate and basketball player for the Eagles during his time at the school. He attended college at Tennessee Knoxville and Austin Peay where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. Afterward, Stanley returned to Northeast as an assistant coach where he began to build his experience as a coach.

He contributed to a number of Eagles post-season runs. This included two district championships, one region championship and made a state final four appearance. Following his time coaching Northeast basketball, Stanley was named head girls’ basketball coach for Hickman County High.

“I am humbled and honored to accept the head coaching position at Northwest High School,” said Stanley. “I want to thank Mrs. Peppard and the administration for entrusting me with the future of Viking Basketball. I am thrilled for the opportunity to support these young men as they pursue excellence in the classroom, on the basketball court, and in their future endeavors. I am ready to begin developing our student athletes into strong young men on the court and in the community as we represent Northwest High School.”

Rae Howard

Howard graduated from Northeast High as well. While attending Northeast, she was a four-year varsity starter for the Eagles volleyball team. Howard’s love for the sport didn’t stop there. She began to coach her alma mater in 2015, and she also coached club volleyball in Nashville around the same time.

Howard moved to Virginia for a brief period of time where she continued to build her coaching resume. She ultimately returned to Montgomery County in 2019. Since, she coached at Clarksville Academy this past volleyball season, and is an active coach at the Clarksville Volleyball Club.

“I am thrilled to be taking this position here at Northwest High school,” said Howard. “Volleyball is a sport that is on the come up in Clarksville, TN and honestly I couldn’t be more honored to lead the lady Vikings. I believe hard work and persistence help build a successful program. With that being said, from the east to the west I’m building the best, so plan on seeing the volleyball team in headlines!”