There’s a new leader of the Bearkats.
Darius Gatson has been named the head coach of the Klein High School boys basketball program, stepping in for longtime head coach Glenn Arnold. And while the title may be new, Gatson’s roots in Klein ISD run deep.
“Being here in Klein means everything,” Gatson said. “I’ve been in the district since elementary school and so many people have poured into me. I feel like this is a way I can repay the district for what it has done for me in my life.”
A former Klein Forest star, Gatson played under legendary coach Cary Black, leading the Eagles to the 2008 State Final Four. His playing career continued at Trinity Valley CC and later at Sam Houston State, where he suited up for two seasons.
Now, the former rival returns to lead Klein High, ready to put his own stamp on the program.
“I’ve been working on this for 10 years,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to having my own program and putting my own imprint on it. I’m big on relationships… not so much commands. If that makes me a players’ coach, I guess I am.”
His vision? Fast, fun, and fearless.
“We’re going to play an exciting brand of basketball,” Gatson said. “We’ll get up and down the court on offense and fly around on defense. We want to compete at a high level and make it fun to watch.”
Gatson’s hiring adds another strong branch to the ever-growing Cary Black coaching tree and administration tree, which includes Brandon Baker (Klein ISD Executive Director of Athletics), Lance Alexander (Klein Forest Principal), Joshua Ervin (Klein Oak Head Coach), Jonathan Cook (Klein Cain Head Coach), and now Gatson himself.
With deep roots, a fresh perspective, and a passion for the game, Darius Gatson is ready to lead the Bearkats into a new chapter.