Calhoun City Schools is pleased to announce several upcoming leadership transitions within our basketball programs, reflecting both gratitude for long-standing service and excitement for the future.
CHS Lady Jackets Basketball
After years of dedicated leadership and commitment to student-athletes, Coach Jaime Echols has announced his plans to retire as Head Coach of the Calhoun High School Lady Jackets Basketball Program.
Coach Echols has led the Lady Jackets since 2019, highlighted by a historic Final Four appearance in the 2023 GHSA 5A State Playoffs. He was named Region Coach of the Year in 2023 and reached his 300th career coaching win in February 2025.
We are grateful for Coach Echols’ years of service and leadership and wish him the very best in his retirement.
We are proud to announce that Coach Kayla Aiken will assume the role of Head Coach of the CHS Lady Jackets. Coach Aiken brings strong leadership, a deep knowledge of the game, and a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
A former college basketball player at Reinhardt University, Coach Aiken brings a strong background in athletics, leadership, and student support to the program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Studies, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and is certified in Special Education, reflecting her commitment to developing the whole student-athlete.
She brings eight years of coaching and leadership experience, including service as a girls basketball assistant coach and experience in athletic administration with the nationally recognized basketball organization, Nike Elite. These roles have allowed her to develop athletes while strengthening team culture, organization, and player development.
Most recently, Coach Aiken has served as an assistant coach with the Calhoun Lady Jackets, where she has grown under the leadership of Coach Jaime Echols. Her impact was quickly recognized through her leadership, dedication, and positive influence on student-athletes.
We are confident that Coach Aiken will continue the strong, competitive program while emphasizing growth, character, and teamwork. Please join us in welcoming her as the new CHS Head Girls Basketball Coach.
CMS Lady Jackets Basketball
Following several successful seasons and over 120 wins, Calhoun Middle School Lady Jackets Head Coach Vicki Garnto will now pass the torch to Coach Casey Brooks, who will serve as the new Head Coach.
Coach Garnto is in her fifth season with the CMS Lady Jackets. With 12 years of experience at the high school and middle school levels, Coach Garnto has led the program with pride, continuing a tradition of excellence while positively impacting the lives of our young female athletes.
As the new (26-27) Head Coach of the CMS Girls’ Varsity basketball team, Coach Brooks is well-positioned to focus on skill development, teamwork, and preparation for the high school level for our female athletes. As a former student-athlete, and member of the United States Air Force, Coach Brooks brings several years of coaching experience and has been an integral part of our basketball program as an assistant coach. He is deeply committed to our school community and is passionate about developing young student-athletes both on and off the court.
We are confident that his leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm will continue to strengthen our girls basketball program and positively impact the student-athletes he coaches.
CMS Boys Basketball
We are also excited to announce that Ross Clifton has been named Head Coach of the CMS Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team. Coach Clifton brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a student-centered approach that aligns well with the mission of Calhoun City Schools. As a current assistant coach, with experience coaching at both the middle and high school levels, Coach Clifton is well-equipped to lead these young men on a path to continued excellence in the pursuit of championships.
Clifton follows in the footsteps of current Head Coach, Kent Howard, who has faithfully served in this role for 6 years, with 5 Region Championships and over 200 wins for the Jackets. Coach Howard has found great success on and off the court, while shaping the lives of young men with a strong emphasis on character building. Coach Howard will transition to focus more fully on his role as Assistant Athletic Director while continuing to assist Coach Perkins at the high school level. His continued involvement will provide valuable support and continuity across all programs including basketball.
Calhoun City Schools is grateful to each of these coaches for their service and leadership, and we look forward to continued success for our Lady Jackets and Jackets basketball programs.