NWSCC names new head cross country coach

PHIL CAMPBELL – Heath White is the new head coach of the cross country program at Northwest Shoals Community College.

A former NWSCC cross country athlete himself, White brings a wealth of experience and deep-rooted passion for the sport and the college.

His coaching career spans more than a decade and includes leadership roles with the Shoals TRAC Summer Cross Country Camp (2007–19) and assistant and interim head coach positions at the University of North Alabama (2013– 18).

White is a native of Moulton and resident of Florence.

“Of course, there is always a special place in your heart for your alma mater,” said White, who started his cross-country journey at NWSCC. “I want to continue to build on the success that we had when I was an athlete there in the early 2000s. Northwest Shoals always had a warm, family atmosphere. As a student-athlete there, I loved the focus that Northwest Shoals placed on the students. I want to continue that tradition and give back to next generation of Patriot runners.”

White’s coaching philosophy emphasizes growth and consistency over pressure to meet immediate results.

“Expectations sometimes feel like limits,” he said. “The goal is improving one step at a time, and success will be inevitable. I look forward to recruiting elite local runners who want to be a positive influence in the community and strive to be their best as a collegiate runner.”

Athletics Director Taylor Franks said NWSCC officials are confident that White’s leadership will bring energy and momentum to the cross-country program.

“Heath understands what it means to be a student- athlete at NWSCC,” said Franks. “We’re excited to have someone who not only knows the sport inside and out but truly values the role cross country can play in a student’s overall college experience.”