Brad Touma: Building Lasting Relationships

It’s safe to say that when Brad Touma came to Country Day in 1987 to teach history and coach lacrosse, not many people in Charlotte knew much about the sport. Over the past three decades, Mr. Touma not only built an exceptional program at Country Day, but has been instrumental in building the sport’s statewide popularity. During his tenure his teams have won the most games in state history while capturing 9 state championships and 18 conference titles. His players have earned over 150 all-state accolades, dozens of all-American honors, and over two dozen players have gone on to participate at the collegiate level. Mr. Touma was also elected into the North Carolina Chapter of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Beyond these impressive achievements, Mr. Touma is perhaps most appreciated for the strong relationships he builds with the students he teaches and coaches.

“Faith, family, academics, lacrosse. That’s what Mr. Touma always talks about,” says his longtime friend and colleague Bob Plyler, Upper School history teacher. “That’s not just a slogan. He really holds the kids accountable on and off the field for the way they conduct themselves.”

For his teaching and coaching, Mr. Touma was inducted into the Honorary Alumni Association on February 20, surrounded by family, friends, and former players. “People who have been with our program for two years to 20 years will come back and speak to our team and our players,” says Jeff Pilon ’92, Varsity Lacrosse assistant coach. “You know that says a lot about Coach Touma and the relationships he builds with his players.”

At the ceremony, Mr. Touma said, “When I speak to educators at other schools, they are always amazed by the depth of support teachers get at Country Day. The opportunity for continuing education, seminars, travel, and technology is literally unparalleled. Another integral part of the experience at Country Day is the wonderful mentors and colleagues that have supported me. I am honored to be recognized here tonight.”

Mr. Touma earned the Carl Bolick Coaches Award in 1991 and 1996. He received the Faculty/Staff Exceptional Performance Award in 1996 and the Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award in 2010.

In 2012, in honor of Coach Touma’s 25th anniversary of teaching and coaching, the Bradley C. Touma Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance for students who otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day.

Mr. Touma has served as the state representative to U.S. Lacrosse for the past 33 years and has served on various national committees in the past. He is currently a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Lacrosse Western North Carolina Chapter and started the Charlotte Country Day lacrosse camp over 30 years ago.

Academically, upon arrival at Country Day, Mr. Touma developed the economics class that he still teaches today. He has also been involved in many curricular initiatives over the years, including the development of the current World History courses. Mr. Touma has acted as academic advisor for various student clubs including currently the Military Support Club and DECA which empowers young entrepreneurs.

Mr. Touma holds a BA in political science from Denison University, where he played lacrosse. He and his wife, Ginny Dabbs Touma ’82, have three children: Carter ’13, Rene ’15 and Virginia Hart ’18.