Coach Chris Ewell: A Rising Star
For years, one of the biggest questions in high school basketball circles has been: Where will the next wave of young coaches come from? Fortunately, one of the brightest rising stars in the coaching profession is right here in our own backyard. At just 29 years old, Coach Chris Ewell has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young coaches in North Carolina, now leading the boys’ basketball program at West Mecklenburg High School.
A 2014 graduate of Village Christian Academy (Fayetteville) and a 2019 graduate of UNC-Charlotte, Coach Chris took a unique and deliberate path into the coaching profession. After gaining early experience in travel basketball, he went on to serve as Athletic Director and Assistant Basketball Coach at Lake Norman Christian, helping guide the program to a state association championship.
In 2023, he joined Northside Christian Academy as an assistant coach, and the program captured the 2023 NCISAA state title. Shortly after the championship, Coach Chris was named the head coach at Carolina International School, a NCHSAA 1A program. Taking over a team coming off a losing season, he orchestrated a rapid turnaround—finishing 19–9 in year one, then following with a 22–9 record, a conference championship, and a third-round state playoff appearance, falling to eventual state champion Corvian Community.
Taking on the West Mecklenburg Challenge
To say Coach Chris embraces challenges would be an understatement. When he accepted the head coaching position at West Mecklenburg High School for the 2025–26 season, he was stepping into one of the state’s toughest rebuilds. Historically overshadowed by powerhouse rival West Charlotte, West Meck had struggled to establish consistency on the court and finished the 2024–25 season winless at 0–25, after going just 7–17 the year prior.
For many, the task would seem daunting. For Coach Chris, it was an opportunity—one that would broaden his résumé and allow him to apply his proven ability to rebuild, reshape, and re-energize a program.
Immediately after taking over, he immersed the team in summer team camps, where the improvement was visible week to week. In the fall, he had West Meck competing in a Fall League and multiple jamborees to accelerate their growth and build chemistry. He set the tone early: hard work, discipline, accountability, and a “buy-in” mentality.
The early returns speak for themselves. Today, West Mecklenburg sits at 3–3, with wins over Berry, Harding, and Stuart Cramer, and competitive showings against top-tier programs and state title contenders such as Chambers, Carson, and West Charlotte. The progress has been significant, fast, and undeniable.
A Coach Driven by Purpose
While he may carry himself quietly and humbly off the court, Coach Chris is passionate, energized, and detail-driven on the sideline. He demands accountability and maximum effort on every possession. His players know where they stand—and know he cares deeply about helping them grow.
When asked what drives him as a coach, he shared:
“Basketball has done a lot for me, and I’m simply trying to give that back. I want to use this game as a tool to help these athletes navigate life and find success in the world.”
We also asked Coach Chris to reflect on several aspects of coaching today:
What’s the most challenging part of coaching today?
“Parents often expect more than the level of effort their children consistently put in. One of the toughest parts of coaching today is helping athletes understand that the work doesn’t start during the season—it has to be a year-round lifestyle and commitment.”
What were the biggest challenges in taking over at West Meck?
“The most formidable challenge was changing many of the bad habits and the overall mindset players had regarding hard work and what it truly means to play basketball the right way. It also required helping parents—many of whom were used to things being done incorrectly or handed to their child—understand how the process is supposed to look.”
What is one of the biggest challenges for today’s high school athlete?
“A major challenge is getting student-athletes to realize that everything that looks shiny isn’t always what’s best for them. I also try to help them understand that the coaches who push them the hardest are usually the ones who care the most. Instead of running from accountability, they should embrace it.”
How important is it to be a role model for today’s youth?
“It’s extremely important. I relate well to this generation, and I try to use that connection to show them what they can achieve on and off the court. I share real-life experiences and introduce them to people who are already where they want to go so they can understand what it takes. I know I’m tough on my athletes, but my goal is for them to look back and realize they grew—both in life and in basketball—because of the standards I set.”
A Star on the Rise
Coach Chris Ewell is more than a coach—he is a culture builder, a mentor, and a leader whose trajectory continues to climb. From rebuilding programs to inspiring young athletes, his impact is already being felt. And at just 29 years old, it’s clear that his story is only beginning.