AACPS Releases Statement Following the Passing of Annapolis High School's Longtime Head Boys Basketball Coach, Mr. John Brady

John Brady, the beloved former Head Annapolis High boys basketball coach, has passed away at the age of 78, leaving the Annapolis community in mourning.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has released a statement celebrating his legacy. "John Brady taught lessons on the basketball court and in the classroom for over three decades," the school system said to Report Annapolis News. "The impact he made is legendary, and it can still be seen today in those who had him as a teacher or a coach."

Hundreds have also taken to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to Coach Brady:

"When he retired, Coach Brady was the winningest public school basketball coach in Maryland history. It was a privilege playing for him," social media user Patrick T. stated in the public Facebook Group Annapolis High School In Memory Of. "He was tough on us but boy could the "Running Panthers" ball out! That era is long gone...Standing room only in the gym when we took the floor! Sadly we fell short by 1 point for the State Title in 84'....Coach was also great with the one liners as well! RIP Coach."

Social media user Hary F. shared the following in the group: 

"He will never be forgotten he was a great teacher and basketball coach he always inspired us to do better and achieve our goals in life. He took Annapolis Panthers basketball team to many championships 1990 was one of them the year I graduated.Thank you Mr. Brady RIP My condolences to his family."

"Mr. Brady was one of my favorite teachers. I am so sorry he is gone and that his family now has to live life without him," social media user Candace R. said in a post made to the group. "May they know he is resting peacefully and with God. My condolences to his family!"

In a December 2014 video published by on the Anne Arundel County Public School System's YouTube channel, Coach Brady emphasized that the only thing individuals truly own is their effort, and urged players to give maximum effort to reach their full potential. 

"The only thing that anyone truly owns is their effort. You know, everything else they learn from somebody else. They read in a book, parent told it to them, they learned it in school, they saw it on television, but the one thing that they have control over is their effort. So if if they they want to max out their their ability, you got to give maximum effort," Coach Brady said.  "It's all about education. Make yourself valuable. And you make yourself valuable by getting educated, being good at something. You don't have to go to college, you know, maybe you're a good mechanic, maybe you're a good musician. Whatever it is, be good at it. Make yourself valuable."

Details on funeral arrangements were not immediately available.