In five seasons at The Woodlands High School, Dale Reed has put his imprint of success on the Highlander Boys Basketball Program. For the first time in school history the Highlanders have made the state playoffs five years in a row. The Highlanders had a 27-6 record last season, including 9-1 in district play. The 27 wins are tied for the second most in school history and the 6 losses are second fewest in school history. (28-5 1994-95 & 27-7 1995-96) For his career at The Woodlands, Reed has compiled a 103-67 overall record (39-17 District record).
Reed’s impact was immediately felt when he arrived to The Woodlands High School for the 2005-06 season. During his first season at the helm, the squad went 22-15, highlighted by the Highlanders first appearance in the state playoffs in four seasons. Additionally, his 22 wins were the most since the 2001-02 campaign (25 wins).
Reed followed up his impressive inaugural season with the Highlanders by again posting a 20-win season (20-14). In doing so, he guided the Highlanders to their first district championship in five seasons. Reed's efforts were rewarded by being named District 15-5A Coach of the Year. Reed was again named District 14-5A Coach of the Year this past season as the Highlanders were District Champions and advanced to the Regional Quarterfinals in the State Tournament.
Reed’s pedigree in basketball goes back to his days as a youngster in Baggs, Wyoming. Reed, a standout guard at Little Snake River Valley High School, led his high school to two state championships while shattering numerous school records. His success on the basketball court did not go unnoticed as Reed was recruited by numerous Division I programs. Reed ultimately decided to attend the University of Iowa to play under Dr. Tom Davis. After one season as a Hawkeye, Reed transferred to Washington State where he was a two-time team captain. Reed capped off his collegiate career by helping the Cougars reach the NCAA Tournament his senior year.
Basketball runs deep in Reed’s blood, so after his playing days were over, he looked to share his passion and knowledge of basketball as a coach. Reed’s coaching career started at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas. During his time there, Reed helped develop current Denver Nuggets star Chris “The Birdman” Andersen.
Reed then went on to serve as an assistant coach with the University of Houston women’s basketball program. Reed helped lay the foundation to a Cougar program in transition as he assisted in many facets of the program, including: recruiting, on-court duties and game preparation.
After two seasons at Houston, Reed entered the ranks of high school coaching when he accepted an assistant coaching position at Westfield High school. After two successful seasons at Westfield, Reed became the head coach at New Caney High School before ultimately landing at The Woodlands High School.
Reed enjoys coaching and teaching at The Woodlands High School because of the success that the school has had on all levels academically and athletically. This was emphasized again as The Woodlands won The Lone Star Cup for the 4th time in 5 years. This honor is given by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and is based on academic and athletic extra curricular achievements. ESPN RISE FAB 50 ranked The Woodlands athletic program #2 in the nation. This is down one spot from being ranked #1 the previous year.
Reed received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management and a Master’s of Education (Athletic Administration) Degree at Washington State University.
He and his wife, Cristen, have two children, Rachel (13) and Bruce (5). Cristen, an accomplished track and field athlete at Washington State, is currently teaching Biology at The Woodlands 9th Grade Campus and is an assistant coach with the Highlander Track & Field team. During his free time, Reed enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is an avid football fan as he enjoys attending Highlander football games and cheering on the Houston Texans. The Reed family resides in The Woodlands.