A member of the 2008 National Championship-winning Jayhawks basketball team has accepted the head coaching position at Free State High School, according to a news release from the school.
Free State High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Amanda Faunce announced the news in a tweet and news release Tuesday evening.
“I am so excited to be the Head Coach of the Boys Basketball Program at Lawrence Free State High School,” Collins said in the release. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to help our boys both on and off the court. I’m ready to get to work!”
Collins’ new position is pending school board approval. The school board next meets on Monday, June 13, and the personnel reports that include new hires are typically approved altogether in one vote with the board’s consent agenda.
Collins graduated from Richard T. Crane Tech High School in Chicago, Illinois, in 2006, according to the release. He graduated from KU in 2018 with a bachelor degree in Liberal Arts.
In addition to playing with the memorable championship team, Collins earned First Team All-American honors, according to the release. His No. 4 jersey hangs in the rafters at Allen Fieldhouse.
The school will provide opportunities for Free State student-athletes and parents to meet with Collins, according to the release. Parents should monitor the FSHS Athletics website and the AD’s Twitter account for more information.
Previous FSHS coach Sam Stroh recently stepped down after several seasons at FSHS.
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