Former Mount Carmel basketball star Terry Nolan Jr. named boys coach at Rosedale Christian Academy

Terry Nolan Jr. always set out to make a difference during his playing days on the basketball court, whether at Mount Carmel, his three Division I college teams or brief professional career overseas.

Now 25, he’s looking to do the same in the coaching ranks. He was recently named the new boys coach at Rosedale Christian Academy.

After spending last season as an assistant coach at Overlea, helping the Falcons win their first Baltimore County championship in 32 years, Nolan has lofty goals in his first chance at running a program.

A former All-Metro first-team guard at Mount Carmel, he believes all the experiences he’s gained on the court — playing at George Washington, Bradley and Towson before professional stints in Portugal and Romania — will help him guide the Panthers’ program to new heights. Playing an independent schedule, Rosedale finished with an 8-18 mark last season.

“As far as my hopes and dreams and what I want to accomplish, I want to build a national program,” he said. “I think we have the potential to do that here at Rosedale. It just needs the right person building it.”

Nolan cut short his playing career to return home when his son was born. He joined Will Watts’ staff at Overlea for the 2023-24 season and caught the coaching bug.

“I found I really loved coaching, really loved the fulfillment I had doing it giving back to the kids and pouring in all my experiences,” he said.

In Nolan, Watts saw a level of commitment to coaching that he believes will translate well at Rosedale.

“With a heart full of dedication and a spirit fueled by passion, Coach Terry embodies the essence of selflessness in coaching. He is truly a servant leader, and because of this I know he will succeed over at Rosedale Christian,” he said.

Rosedale athletic director Angela Cuocci saw the same qualities during the hiring process and is excited to have Nolan aboard.

“I think our program is unique in that while we have a focus on wanting to build a winning athletic program, our greater focus as a Christian school is helping our kids develop a relationship with Christ,” she said. “So for us, having someone like Terry, who possesses the skill set to be an amazing coach … and to make a program that is strong, but then also have a love for the Lord and a desire to help young men grow in their relationship with God — that’s what made him the right fit for us.”

Nolan plans to incorporate a blend of what he’s learned from all the coaches he’s played for, but with a priority on playing strong defense.

“First and foremost, it’s going to take some players. We want guys that are high character, willing to work, be disciplined and have gratitude for the game,” he said.