On Tuesday, the focus of the “A Week in the Life of Cobb Basketball” series shifted from student-athletes to the perspective of Hillgrove High School Boys Head Coach Gregory Moultrie. As his team aimed to secure a strong position in 6A Region 3, Moultrie balanced multiple roles throughout the day, including those of educator and parent.
Moultrie began his day early at home, preparing for both family and work responsibilities. “I wake up and get ready for the day. I check emails and review reminders for tonight’s game while eating a light breakfast,” he said. After taking his children to school—his son accompanying him to Hillgrove High School and his daughter dropped off at elementary school—he made a brief stop for coffee before arriving at Hillgrove.
From 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Moultrie taught weight-training classes, emphasizing proper technique and safety for students. He used his planning period to prepare for that evening’s away game by reviewing film and organizing travel logistics. “The school day begins. I teach weight-training classes throughout the day, focusing on proper technique, safety, and helping students build strength. During my planning period and any other downtime, I prepare for the away game. There’s game film to watch, travel bags to pack, and mental notes to jot down. Every game day is important,” he explained.
After school ended, Moultrie took time for his own workout before meeting with his team to review strategies for their upcoming matchup against South Cobb High School. “After the school day ends, I take a moment to have my own weight workout in the weight room. This helps me stay in shape, gets my mind right, and sets a positive example for my athletes,” he said.
Before leaving for South Cobb at 4:30 p.m., Moultrie met with players to discuss expectations and keys to success. “I meet with the team after school to review expectations, discuss keys to the game, and make sure everyone is prepared,” he stated.
During transit on the bus with assistant coaches and players, there was discussion about basketball as well as lighter topics such as movies or music playlists.
Upon arrival at South Cobb High School, the team watched part of the girls’ game before heading into their locker room. Pregame talks focused on calm reminders rather than intense speeches—a method Moultrie prefers when confidence runs high among players.
“Game times are almost always fun. Today, the team is really clicking. I can sit back and enjoy the action without getting too animated. Games like this let me give younger players playing time, too. That’s important for the continuity of our program,” Moultrie said about watching his team perform during their 98-56 victory over South Cobb.
Following post-game comments highlighting both achievements and areas needing improvement—”After the game, I briefly address the team post-game. I share some statistics and highlights, but I also point out some areas for improvement. We can always get better. However, there is a lot to like about this performance, and I think we are peaking at the right time.”—the coach reflected with assistants during their return trip before making sure all players left safely from Hillgrove later that night.
“We return to the bus and head back to Hillgrove. I use the ride to reflect on the game, get feedback from assistant coaches to find out if there is anything they might have noticed, and I begin to think ahead to upcoming practices,” he noted.
By 10:52 p.m., after ensuring all students had departed campus safely following another late night associated with basketball season duties—and victory—Moultrie returned home readying himself mentally for another demanding day ahead: “I finally arrive home and take a moment to wind down. After game nights it’s sometimes hard to calm my mind enough for sleep but I do my best.”
Hillgrove High School serves students in grades nine through twelve while providing academic programs alongside athletics such as basketball [source]. The school promotes responsible citizenship through its educational offerings [source] and supports student achievement by building partnerships among students, teachers, families and community members [source]. Its mission includes fostering critical thinking skills across academics and extracurricular activities [source].
The series will continue Wednesday by shifting attention toward a girls’ student-athlete experience.
