Cairo Booker will join the Darlington Community as head girls' basketball coach and assistant director of admission for the 2026-27 school year.
"We are excited to welcome Cairo Booker to Darlington," said Athletic Director Mitch Jordan ('90). "She has been part of one of the premier girls basketball programs in Georgia, both as a player and coach, and she brings a strong understanding of championship standards, player development, and program culture.”
Booker served as as interim head girls' basketball coach at Wesleyan School, her alma mater, this past season after serving since 2022 as an assistant coach. She has helped guide the program to state championship and Final Four appearances, including a region championship and state runner-up finish, and played a key role in player development. At Weseyan, she also served as an admissions assistant and was previously the special events manager.
"I am incredibly honored to join the Darlington Community," said Booker. "I truly believe in the potential of this program and in our student-athletes. I'm looking forward to pouring into them and into a community that so clearly values relationships, growth and a shared commitment. I've always believed in bringing toughness, energy and passion into everything I do. I am excited for what we can build together and can't wait to get started."
Prior to returning to Wesleyan, Booker spent two years as a graduate assistant coach at Wingate University, where she earned her M.A. in Sports Management. She served on a championship-caliber collegiate staff under Ann Hancock (former UNC women’s national championship staff member) and current Clemson assistant coach Katelyn Grisillo. Booker contributed to the program’s success during the 2021-22 season, including winning the SAC Regular Season Title.
She also holds a B.A. in Business Economics from Wofford College.
"I look forward to the opportunity to work with Coach Booker," said Assistant Athletic Director Nathan West, head boys' basketball coach. "Her energy and passion for pouring into students’ lives is unmatched. Coach Booker will be a key asset not only to our girls' basketball program, but to all girls' athletics and the entire Darlington Community.”
There will be a Parent Meet & Greet with Coach Booker this Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. in the Yancey Suite.
