Wright Way to Lead: Beloved AD Reflects on 28 Years with Lee County

LEESBURG — Hank Wright stood at the edge of the turf field on a crisp December night in 2017, surrounded by cheers, cameras and championship confetti. Lee County had just claimed its first-ever state football title — on its home field — and Wright, the man who helped make it all happen, was doing what he always did in moments like that: making sure everything ran smoothly and staying quietly out of the spotlight.

In the stands, his mother beamed with pride.

It was a full-circle moment for the long-time educator and athletic director. Lee County had defeated Coffee High School — his mom’s hometown team from Douglas. Wright had roots in both communities, but that night belonged to Lee County and to a memory that would soon become a treasured keepsake.

“She was there,” Wright said softly. “That meant the world.”

A few months later, his mother passed away. But that game — those lights, that crowd, that win — remains one of Wright’s most cherished moments in a career defined not by medals or headlines, but by people, purpose and presence.

This summer, Wright will retire, closing a chapter that began in a Lee Elementary gym as a student teacher and ends after nearly a decade leading 26 varsity sports programs, enhancing facilities, and expanding opportunities for students well beyond the sidelines.

“I’ve been blessed to be part of the great things happening here,” he said. “But I’ve never seen any of it as mine. It’s the coaches, the kids, the teachers, our administrators, and the board. I’ve just tried to be a good steward of what we’ve been given.”

Wright’s leadership philosophy was rooted in three simple ideals: build relationships, serve others and always show hospitality. Whether it was encouraging a coach, helping a teacher organize an event, or making opposing teams feel welcome in Leesburg, Wright believed the smallest gestures — done consistently — built the strongest trust.

“Coach Wright has been a pillar of stability and excellence here,” head football coach Dean Fabrizio said. “His dedication and devotion to Lee County athletics will be sorely missed.”

A lifelong resident of the Albany area, Wright began his career in the district during the 1997–98 school year and never left. He stayed at Lee Elementary until 2006, then made the move to the high school, where his influence quickly expanded. He is a graduate of Albany State University and a product of both Albany High and Deerfield-Windsor.

“Mr. Wright will truly be missed,” boys’ basketball coach Kirven Davis said. “His impact on Lee County basketball will last a lifetime. He’s a true lover of athletics.”

In 2015, Wright was named athletic director and assistant principal. Over the next nine years, Lee County athletics thrived, capturing 16 state championships, finishing runner-up 15 times, and reaching nine additional Final Fours. The Trojans also brought home 49 region titles while expanding their athletic footprint with the addition of gymnastics, girls’ wrestling, competitive dance, game day cheer, eSports, and a fishing team.

Wright, true to form, credited others.

“I’ve just been in the right place at the right time,” he said. “I appreciate our head coaches and their dedication to their programs. I inherited many of them, and we’ve added new coaches along the way that fully support our kids and their development. The community support has also been vital. Many people work behind the scenes to ensure our success, while others support by showing up for home and away events. We wouldn’t have a successful program without their sacrifices.”

Behind the scenes, Wright championed facility upgrades across campus. From cheerleading mats to tennis courts, nearly every venue on campus bears his fingerprints. He played a pivotal role in bringing the NFHS Network to Lee County broadcasts, guided the installation of turf fields for baseball and softball, and helped launch construction on a new basketball arena set to break ground this summer.

Other coaches have also acknowledged Wright’s efforts.

“He has been a loyal Lee County administrator, and his proven success as an athletic director speaks for itself,” baseball coach Wes Shiver said. “I know his leadership will be greatly missed, even though I’ve been under his leadership for a short time.”

“Mr. Wright was a big part in getting the new turf field for the Lady Trojan softball team a couple of years ago,” softball coach Dwayne Suggs said. “He’s also been supportive in making sure our program has the same opportunities as others. I am thankful for his support and friendship through the years.”

But Wright’s contributions didn’t stop at sports.

He supported renovations to the school auditorium for the one-act play program. He backed the growth of the FFA program. And in 2024, he helped implement the SuccessFund system, designed to improve transparency and streamline financial management for booster clubs, concessions and player dues.

Wright also turned Lee County High into a destination for marquee events.

Under his leadership, the school welcomed Luke Bryan’s first Farm Tour concert, twice hosted “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, and in 2023, saw Idol judges Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry walk its halls for televised auditions — putting Leesburg on a national stage.

Wright’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He was named Region Athletic Director of the Year three times, honored as State Athletic Director of the Year in 2022, and served as president of Region 1-6A from 2020–2024. He currently leads Region 2-5A.

But to those who know him best, none of those titles defines him.

Wright may be stepping away from his post — but not from the place he calls home.

That championship night in 2017 wasn’t just about football. It was about family, hometown ties, and a life spent building something that would outlast him.

He built relationships. He welcomed visitors like old friends. He valued a one-act play and an FFA banquet as much as a state title.

And though there won’t be championship confetti falling when he walks away this summer, the legacy he leaves behind is no less worthy of celebration.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done together,” he said.

So is Lee County.