Braydon Hobbs

 

My journey through NAFC schools shaped the foundation for everything that came after. From my early days at Grantline and Mt. Tabor Elementary, through Hazelwood Middle, and graduating from New Albany High School in 2008, I was surrounded by teachers, coaches, and mentors who encouraged me to work hard, believe in myself, and pursue big dreams. Playing basketball at NAHS and making it to Semi-State my senior year was one of the highlights of my high school experience, and it set me on a path that carried me far beyond Floyd County.

After high school, I studied criminal justice at Bellarmine while playing basketball, and from there I was fortunate to enjoy a 12-year career as a professional basketball player in Europe and Australia, spending most of that time in Germany. The lessons I learned on the court, including leadership, persistence, and putting others first, have stayed with me and continue to guide me today.

Along the way, I was influenced by amazing mentors. Wade Thaxton, my 7th grade basketball coach at Hazelwood, became a lifelong friend. Emily Hatton, my 10th grade English teacher, prepared me for college-level rigor. Coach Jim Shannon at NAHS was like family, pushing me to my limits, keeping me focused, and modeling what it means to lead with integrity. Don Unruh, our athletic director, was also an advocate for student-athletes and a steady example of leadership. I am forever grateful for their impact.

Today, I work as an Account Advisor at Security Pros while raising my family here in Georgetown. My wife, Sadie, and I met in college and have been married since 2013. She is a proud FCHS graduate and owner of Poppin’ Parties & Events. Together, we are raising three children: Haven, a 4th grader, Cormic, a 1st grader, and Benson, a kindergartner, all at Georgetown Elementary. Whether I am coaching Little League baseball, cheering on my kids at their games, or spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and golfing, I feel grateful to be back in the community that means so much to us.

Supporting the NAFC Education Foundation is especially meaningful to me because of its commitment to mental health. My uncle, Monty Reisinger, passed away in 2024 after struggling with mental illness, and our family started the Monty Reisinger Foundation in his honor. No one talked about mental health when I was in school, but now we know how important it is, and I am grateful that this community has stepped up to support students and families. Sadie and I are honored to be part of those efforts and to give back to the schools that have given so much to us and to our children.

–Braydon Hobbs, New Albany High School ’08

Braydon Hobbs