Blue Lights College has named Mario Pharr as interim head men's basketball coach for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.
"I'm excited about Coach Mario accepting the interim coach position, " said BLC president Captain Jacques Gilbert. "He possesses passion for character and skill development of youth basketball players. Coach Mario has been sold out on our college mission from the start. He continues to embrace our pillars of faith, purpose, and trust."
Pharr served as assistant coach to Zach Hendricks last year during the program's inaugural season, something that made him a natural choice to take the reins.
"His time as assistant under Zach Hendricks has allowed him to gain insight and build relationships with the players," added Gilbert. "This makes him a solid candidate to lead our student-athletes and accelerate the success of our men's basketball program on and off the court."
"I am very pleased that Mario is back in the program," said athletics director Mike Davis. "Mario is a class act with top-shelf coaching skills and a heart for people. He is a natural fit here at Blue Lights."
Pharr has extensive experience with over 15 years coaching on all levels, from AAU to professional, as well as two years under legendary NC State coach Kay Yow.
At Blue Lights College, Pharr says he will strive to develop and enhance the fundamentals of each player, as well as increasing basketball IQ in order to help push athletes and the team to the next level on and off the court.
"I am extremely excited about this God-ordained opportunity," said Pharr," and will do all I can to please Him, His family, and the entire Blue Lights family. Let's Go Thoroughbreds!"
Pharr replaces Hendricks, who left the program in November for personal reasons. Mario and his wife Nicole reside in Raleigh with their two beautiful daughters, Madison and Morgan.
BLC NAMES PHARR AS INTERIM MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
