American Christian Academy announces Stephen Hooks, former ACA coach, as next Head of School

Anna Snyder, Tuscaloosa News
·1 min read
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American Christian Academy has named a new Head of School in Stephen Hooks, the school announced on Tuesday.

“We're thrilled to welcome Stephen Hooks as our new Head of School,” the school wrote in a post on X. “With his rich experience in Christian education and a deep-rooted commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, we're eager to embark on this new chapter under his leadership.”

Hooks will replace Dr. Dan Carden, who has been at ACA for 34 years and most recently had come out of retirement to fill the Head of School position.

Hooks returns to ACA after previously spending 14 years as the Patriots' head football coach and athletic director. He led the program from 1995-2008, finishing with an overall record of 129-42 and reaching the playoffs in all but two of his 14 seasons at ACA, per the AHSFHS.

In 2009, Hooks was named the head football coach at Westminster Christian in Huntsville, where he spent seven seasons (2009-15). During his time at Westminster Christian, Hooks went 42-31 and earned coach of the year honors by the Alabama Sports Writers Association in 2010. Hooks served as Head of School at Westminster Christian from 2016-2023.

Most recently, Hooks served as the Head of School at Marshall Christian Academy in Albertville.

A reception to welcome Hooks back to ACA is set for 3 p.m. May 5 in the ACA gym. Hooks is set to begin his tenure at ACA on June 1.

American Christian Academy football head coach Stephen Hooks instructs his team during an August 2007 practice at ACA.
American Christian Academy football head coach Stephen Hooks instructs his team during an August 2007 practice at ACA.

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Anna Snyder covers high school sports and University of Alabama softball and football recruiting for The Tuscaloosa News. Reach her at asnyder@gannett.com. Follow her on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @annaesnyder2

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: American Christian Academy announces Stephen Hooks as new Head of School