Beaufort Academy basketball coach steps down after 18 year run

Chip Dinkins, front right, poses with members of his team and athletic director Neal McCarty
Chip Dinkins, front right, poses with members of his team and athletic director Neal McCarty

Beaufort Academy announced Thursday that long-time Head Boys Basketball Coach, Chip Dinkins is stepping down. Dinkins, 2016’s Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette coach of the year, missed most of last season after suffering a torn aorta. Chip started coaching at Beaufort Academy in 1999 as the Junior Varsity coach and has made history ever since. 

Coach Dinkins and I have worked and coached together at BA for 3 years, but have been good friends for a long time, BA Athletic Director, Neal McCarty said. “Coach Dinkins had a great run coaching at his Alma Mater, 10 teams qualified for state playoffs, and won a state championship in 2006. Unfortunately, he missed most of his final season coaching due to a torn aorta. However, I have a good feeling that he still will be involved in some capacity. Chip is a legend around campus, and the voice of the Eagles on Friday nights in the Fall. I can’t thank Coach Dinkins enough for everything he has done for our school and basketball program up to today.  Beaufort Academy is a better place, and basketball is a better program because of Coach Dinkins, McCarty added.

Beaufort Academy is in the search process of finding the next Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach.