By GARETT VALCOURT
After four successful seasons leading the Bethlehem Wildcats, Aaron Mollet is returning to his roots. The Holmes County High School alumnus has been named the new head coach of the Blue Devils boys basketball program.
Mollet departs Bethlehem with an overall record of 79-25, a 75.9% win rate, the highest among teams from Walton County to Franklin County during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Wildcats reached the regional playoffs in three of four seasons and captured a district championship this past winter.
Mollet acknowledged the decision to leave was not taken lightly but said personal and family factors played a major role in the transition.
“Growing up, you know, my dad was at Bethlehem for a while and getting able to go coach where he was was definitely part of my dream,” Mollet said. “But always in the back of my mind, I have had, you know, aspirations of coming back to Holmes County and coaching. I had no inclination of taking this job, but when it was open, it just felt right this time.”
Mollet’s move to Holmes County, one of Bethlehem’s longstanding rivals, has generated mixed reactions within the Wildcat community. With all but two players expected to return to Bethlehem’s roster, some have speculated that players might follow their former coach to his new post.
Mollet addressed the speculation directly.
“I don’t know of any players coming over, and that would be a decision entirely for them and their families to make,” he said.
Despite the reaction from some in the community, Mollet emphasized his appreciation for his time at Bethlehem and expressed hope for continued mutual respect between the programs.
“When you move in-county, there’s always going to be some backlash,” he said. “You know, that’s part of it. That’s life. You just got to handle it as an adult, in one ear and out the other, or water off a duck’s back as my mom likes to say. My mom still teaches up there at Bethlehem. She’s been up there for 30 years. So, you know, it’s definitely going to be different.”
Mollet now takes the helm at Holmes County as his own children begin to enter high school, another factor in his decision to return to the district. With a proven track record of success, he looks to build a new chapter for the Blue Devils program.
