Athletic Director Brad Costa Strives to Keep Community United
Athletic Director Brad Costa Strives to Keep Eastern Alamance Community United
Brad Costa Takes the Helm at Eastern Alamance High School Athletics
Brad Costa, a former three-sport athlete from a small town near Buffalo, New York, has been named the new athletic director of Eastern Alamance High School. Building on the legacy left by longtime director John Kirby, Costa is eager to connect the community through a shared love for sports.
From an early age, Costa dreamed of a career in sports, initially envisioning himself as a professional football player. However, after a modest tenure as his high school’s quarterback, he realized his passion for competition could take a different form.
“I’m the kind of person who hates losing more than I love winning,” Costa said. “Having a purpose and a common goal is so important to me, and nowhere embodies that better than athletics.”
A Journey Rooted in Eastern Alamance
Costa moved to Mebane in 2015 and began his career at Eastern as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team, working under legendary coach Jay McPherson. Together, they achieved significant success, a reflection of the school’s strong athletic foundation.
When McPherson retired in 2020, Costa took over as head coach, facing challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, including canceled workouts and altered seasons. Despite these hurdles, Costa persevered and advanced to assistant athletic director in 2023, learning the ropes of athletic administration.
This year, a career-defining opportunity arose when John Kirby retired after 15 years as Eastern’s athletic director. Though Costa had hoped to learn from Kirby for many more years, he stepped into the role with enthusiasm.
“He’s a Mebane legend,” Costa said of Kirby. “He’s unbelievable and very, very missed. But I know he’s always here in spirit.”
Leading with Purpose
Since assuming the position in August, Costa has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Eastern Alamance athletics. His daily responsibilities include maintaining eligibility standards for student-athletes, overseeing athletic facilities, coordinating transportation, and supporting roughly 200 athletes across various sports.
“My goal is to put Eastern Alamance athletics in the best position to grow athletes and win games,” Costa said. “I didn’t realize how much goes into this, but every part of it matters.”
From organizing logistics to fielding calls from reporters, Costa has embraced the demanding nature of the role. For him, it’s about more than just the job—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.
“Eastern Alamance is like home,” Costa said. “It’s a great way to root my family and my daughter into the school and the community.”
A Community United Through Sports
Costa has been deeply moved by the unwavering support of the Mebane community. Early on, he witnessed the devotion of fans arriving at 7:30 AM to claim their traditional spots for Friday night football games—a testament to the community’s dedication to sports.
“This community cares so much about athletics,” Costa said. “Eastern Alamance has been a beacon for this town for years.”
The community’s generosity has already yielded significant milestones, such as raising $1 million for the school’s new fieldhouse. Costa hopes to channel this same energy into future projects, strengthening the connection between the school and its supporters.
“I’m so grateful to be in a place that has cared for me,” Costa said. “Mebane is special, and I’m honored to give back to a community that means so much.”
