Coach Donald Hedge has left an incredible legacy in Wichita Falls ISD basketball history. As the all-time winningest boys’ basketball coach, he amassed 344 wins, secured nine district titles, and led the Hirschi Huskies to a state championship appearance in 2022.
From his early years in Langston, Oklahoma, to his coaching career at Midwestern State University, Hedge has been dedicated to mentoring young athletes and shaping both teams and communities. His story is one of commitment, leadership, and perseverance.
How Coach Hedge Got His Start in Coaching
Growing up in Langston, OK, Hedge was surrounded by a community that valued sports. Many young men in his hometown pursued sports, either as players or coaches, and he followed in their footsteps.
“A lot of my friends in that community, even though they are not coaching at the high school and college level, still coach their sons and grandsons. I think coaching is just kind of ingrained in us in that community,” Hedge said.
This passion led him to become head coach at Hirschi in 2005, where he spent nearly two decades building a winning program.
Building a Program and Changing Lives
When Coach Hedge and his family moved to Wichita Falls, they initially planned to rent a home. However, they quickly realized that to truly build a program and make a difference, they needed to be deeply involved in the community.
“If we are coming to win games, it really doesn’t matter where we live. But if we are coming to change lives and help change a community, then we need to be involved in it,” Hedge explained.
His commitment to developing young men, both on and off the court, became the foundation of his success.
The Keys to His Success
Coach Hedge acknowledges that his accomplishments weren’t just about wins—they were the result of timing, opportunity, and sometimes even luck.
“Winning was a byproduct of a lot of other stuff. Of course, we had talented kids in the area as well,” Hedge said.
His ability to connect with players while maintaining high expectations set him apart.
His Coaching Style: A Balance of Toughness and Trust
Hedge describes himself as a player’s coach—someone who builds strong relationships with his team but also pushes them to their limits.
“When you establish those relationships, you can coach kids pretty tough. They knew I was just trying to get the best out of them,” Hedge said.
His philosophy? Demand excellence but do it with love.
“Everything I’m pushing you towards is something that you told me you wanted. You told me you wanted this, so I’m going to push you toward that standard.”
What’s Next for Coach Hedge?
Although he stepped down from his role at Hirschi in 2023, Hedge continues to shape young lives as a basketball coach at Midwestern State University and a math teacher at Legacy High School.
For him, coaching at the college level may have its differences, but at its core, it’s the same game.
“Basketball is basketball. There are some differences, but it’s basketball. When we go in at halftime, the adjustments are the same: keep guys out of the paint, block out more. It’s the same stuff you do in high school,” Hedge said.
His ultimate goal? To one day become a head coach at the college level, continuing his mission of mentoring young men and helping them reach their potential.