Fort Gay, W.Va. — Former Rebel basketball star Coty Jude had his jersey retired at the Boys home opener on Friday night.
Former Rebel head coach Mike Smith, Coty Jude, Current Rebel head coach Brian Stacy
Jude graduated from Tolsia in 2017 where he was an all-state selection as a senior and still hold the record for most points in one game when he scored 54 against Huntington St. Joe.
Jude continued his athletic and academic career at UNC-Asheville. He played in 112 games and recorded a career high 24 points against Gardner-Webb. Jude finished his career with 230 made three pointers which is second all-time in school history.
Jude is a luxury Real Estate Broker for Walnut Cover Realty in Asheville.
Coty Jude
PLAYER’S COMMENTS
“… First and foremost what an honor to have the support not only for the jersey retirement, but over the course of my career. The first player to complete a four-year career at a division one school in Tolsia history. At one point, I didn’t think that college basketball was even in the cards for me, let alone the success I’ve had at the highest level of college basketball.”
“… There are so many life lessons that this sport taught me that I will carry with me forever. It can’t go left unsaid that social media tends to be a highlight reel of our life. We neglect to advertise the struggles and adversity. I faced a lot of that throughout my career. One quote that always stuck with me is that “your lack of commitment is an insult to the people who believe in you.” I couldn’t rest at night knowing that I wasn’t bringing everything I had every time I got on the court because that meant letting down the people that have believed in me from the beginning and continued to believe in me often times when I didn’t believe in myself.”
“… The jersey retirement might be a testament to the hard work and commitment I have put into this game throughout my career, but it’s just as much a celebration and a thank you to everyone else that took part and supported a small town kid with a big dream. Thank you to all that came out to celebrate with me on a very special night to me, but most of all, thank you for your support through the years.”
