Former professional standout and St. John’s star returns to lead the Wolverines
Bridgton, ME (April 9, 2026): Bridgton Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Paris Horne ’07 as the Academy’s new head basketball coach after a competitive national search. Horne, a distinguished alumnus of the Academy and a former professional athlete, steps into the role after serving as the program’s co-acting head coach during the 2026 season.
Horne’s basketball pedigree is extensive, beginning in 2007 when his Bridgton Academy team, led by Coach Whit Lesure, earned a coveted NEPSAC AAA championship. Following a successful and award-winning season as a student-athlete at Bridgton, Horne went on to a storied collegiate career at St. John’s University, where he helped lead the Red Storm to a 2011 NCAA Tournament and cemented his place in the university’s record books as one of the program’s all-time leaders in three-point field goals. Following college, Horne enjoyed a prolific eight-year professional career that spanned the globe, including time with the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) and international clubs in Germany, Greece, Japan, and Morocco.
“Paris Horne represents everything that is right about top-level prep basketball,” shares Aaron Izaryk, Bridgton Academy Director of Athletics. “He brings a dynamic combination of leadership, character, and energy. The relationships he builds—with both individuals and teams—are authentic and lasting, reflecting the very foundation of what makes our program so special. Having competed at both the collegiate and professional levels, Paris brings invaluable experience and insight to the court each day. More importantly, he understands what it takes to guide young men through the process of growth, both as players and as people, as they prepare for the next level. Coach Horne’s commitment to player development, mentorship, and excellence made him the best choice to lead Bridgton Academy basketball forward.”
Horne first returned to North Bridgton in 2019 as a faculty member and coach, serving as an academic advisor, dorm director, and assistant basketball coach. In 2026, Horne accepted a co-acting head coach role following the sudden passing of long-time Academy faculty member, coach, and personal mentor, Whit Lesure. Horne’s holistic involvement in academics, athletics, and student life at Bridgton, in addition to his unique history with Bridgton basketball as a player and coach, gives him a keen understanding of the Academy’s mission of successfully preparing young men for college and life beyond.
“Coach Paris Horne ’07 combines an elite basketball IQ with a passion for shaping character,” stated Head of School, Diana J. Gleeson. “Coach Horne knows the value of offering the compassionate mentorship necessary for success on and off the court. He possesses a rare, intuitive grasp of player development that is perfectly suited for our specialized one-year environment. As an alumnus, Coach Horne embodies the Wolverine tenacity and grit in its purest form. Paris has a transformative vision for this program, and I am beyond eager to watch that vision come to life.”
Coach Horne’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bridgton basketball as the Academy continues to set the gold standard for postgraduate basketball development.
“I’m so excited about the opportunity given to me here at Bridgton,” shared Coach Horne. “I’m ready to get started and to explore this new journey. I’m so appreciative of everything that Coach Whit Lesure taught me as both a player and then coming back as a coach. I’m ecstatic to work with our Bridgton boys and give them the blueprint of the basketball world that I’ve learned over the years, starting with my time here in 2007. I’m grateful for Diana Gleeson and the whole Academy staff for welcoming me back with open arms. I’m ready to get this journey started and I look forward to great success in the future.”
