For Coach Doug Esleeck, his basketball journey has been one of “reverse course.” While many aspiring coaches dream of climbing the collegiate ladder, Esleeck found peace, purpose, and happiness by taking a different path—one that ultimately led him back to the high school ranks, where he has built something truly special.
A 2005 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Esleeck earned his MBA from Gardner-Webb University in 2008. During that time, he began his coaching career as Director of Operations at UNC-Greensboro (2005–06). After a short stint at UNCG, he continued his rapid ascent through the college coaching world, being hired as an assistant coach at Gardner-Webb. At a remarkably young age, he was promoted to Recruiting Coordinator while also handling responsibilities as defensive coordinator, individual player development lead, and strength and conditioning coordinator.
Esleeck’s rise continued when he was named Associate Head Coach at Mercer University from 2014 to 2017. He later served as Associate Head Coach at UNC-Wilmington (2017-2020) under C.B. McGrath, who previously worked under Hall of Famer Roy Williams during UNC’s run to three national championships.
A Shift Toward Stability
While coaching at the collegiate level certainly comes with perks, it also brings significant challenges—especially for a young family. College coaching is inherently transient, with constant moves becoming more the norm than the exception. After his tenure at UNC-Wilmington, Esleeck sought greater stability and fulfillment. That search led him to Forsyth Country Day School.
FCDS, widely recognized for its high academic standards, was not typically viewed as a basketball powerhouse within the NCISAA. Competing in the rugged Piedmont Triad Athletic Conference—with programs like Greensboro Day, Wesleyan Christian, Caldwell Academy, and High Point Christian—meant stepping directly into one of the toughest leagues in the state. Fan support was also limited, often peaking only when local rivals Calvary Day or Greensboro Day came to town. But Esleeck embraced the challenge wholeheartedly
Building a Program the Right Way
In his first year, Esleeck guided FCDS to an 11–10 record. The following two years showed clear upward momentum, finishing 17–12 in both 2022 and 2023. Behind Esleeck’s tireless work ethic, player development focus, and sharp coaching acumen, the program made a dramatic leap.
In 2024, FCDS captured the NCISAA state championship with a 27–6 record—firmly establishing the program as one of the premier teams in North Carolina, regardless of classification. The following year, after moving up from 3A to 4A, FCDS again finished 27–6 and reached the semifinals before falling to national powerhouse Christ School.
Sustained Success
With Esleeck at the helm, FCDS has become a perennial state title contender. Embracing one of the most demanding schedules in the state, he consistently challenges his teams with high-level out-of-conference opponents. Young players are drawn to big stages and elite competition, helping FCDS attract quality student-athletes and transfers who want to develop in a demanding, high-exposure environment.
Six years after his arrival, FCDS is now a state power. Currently, they sit as the No. 1-ranked team in the NCISAA and No. 2 overall in the statewide poll that includes NCHSAA and non-association teams. Only nationally ranked Moravian Prep National holds the top spot.
The Esleeck Standard
What Coach Esleeck has accomplished at Forsyth Country Day is remarkable. He has brought consistency, excellence, and a championship culture to a high-academic institution—and done so with class and professionalism.
From countless open gyms and practices we’ve observed, one thing is clear: Coach Esleeck runs one of the best, most efficient practices in the state. His players develop, compete, and play with passion—an extension of Esleeck’s own animated, energetic, yet composed sideline presence.
He has learned at every step of his career, and his time at UNC-Greensboro, Gardner-Webb, Mercer, and UNC-Wilmington has shaped him into the coach he is today. Given what he has already accomplished, the path is well paved for Esleeck to become a future Hall of Fame coach at the high school level.
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