After three seasons at Dawson County, Eric Herrick has landed his dream job.
The long-time basketball coach will take over the North Hall girls program, according to athletic director Sam Borg.
"Coach Eric Herrick is a North Hall grad that is coming back home to work with a great program left here by Kristi House," Borg said. "Our players and families are fortunate to have coach Herrick's experience and leadership. He's a true gym rat and pours his life into his basketball teams, as seen in relationships built at Chattahoochee, North Forsyth and Dawson County."
The school announced the hiring via press release Friday night. He replaces Kristi House, who stepped down last month after 13 years at the helm.
“North Hall has always been my dream job," Herrick said. "My wife and I both graduated from there, and I owe that community so much."
Herrick said the decision to leave Dawsonville wasn't easy but is ready for the new challenge at North Hall.
“I have built great relationships with my players," he said about Dawson County. "It’s tough leaving Dawson. I love the admin and the entire staff. I have spoken with many of them today, and they are truly happy for me."
Herrick originally left the North Forsyth girls team to take over the boys program at Dawson County in 2019 after Chad Pittman stepped down. At the time, he said he wanted to coach boys again, and that it was "an itch that I needed to scratch."
After a successful first year coaching the Tigers to a 25-3 record, a Region 7-3A title and a state tournament appearance, girls coach Steve Sweat retired, leaving an opening that seriously piqued Herrick's attention. A few days later, Herrick was named the new Dawson County girls coach.
"I just feel like coaching girls basketball is where my passion is," Herrick said back in 2020.
Spin the clock forward two years, and Herrick steps away from a Dawson girls program that he led to 30 wins, 23 losses, and one state tournament appearance.
“I’ll miss Dawson, but my family and I are excited about what’s ahead," he said. "I can’t wait to get started at North Hall”.
Overall, Herrick brings 18 years of head coaching experience with prior stops at Glascock County (boys), White County (girls), Chattahoochee (girls), North Forsyth (girls), Dawson County (boys and girls).
Before heading to Dawson County, he spent eight seasons at North Forsyth, guiding the Lady Raiders to seven playoff appearances, including two quarterfinals and two semifinals and played for seven region titles – won three.
Herrick's teams have developed a reputation of playing relentless, stingy defense, and his offensive attack bases out of the dribble-drive attack with a heavy dose of outside shooting.
He will have plenty of shooters and quick guards to effectively play his style of basketball at North Hall.
Leading scorer Kristina Peach (15 points per game), Amelia Shoemaker, Rylee Thompson and Kate Swanson all return to give Herrick a solid base to implement his game plan. But he'll have to find a new point guard and replace the 15 points per game Rylee McCall added to the rotation. She graduates in May.
“I feel like their personnel will allow me to coach the style of basketball that I love to coach," Herrick said. "The roster is full of quick guards and great shooters. But I think the first thing we need to do is get them playing for each other. We've got to build a family-like culture."
North Hall will move up to Class 4A next season. They'll be housed in Region 8-4A with Cedar Shoals, Cherokee Bluff, Chestatee, East Forsyth, East Hall, Johnson, Madison County, North Oconee, Seckinger, Walnut Grove.
As for who will take over at Dawson County, athletic director Bradley Fowler said the search for a new head coach begins immediately.
