ORANGE BEACH — Orange Beach City Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Terry Canova as head girls basketball coach and Amanda Niehoff as assistant girls basketball coach.

The pair brings together two proven leaders with Final Four experience to elevate the Makos program.

Coach Canova joins Orange Beach from UMS-Wright Preparatory School, where he built one of the most consistent and successful programs on the Gulf Coast. Over nearly two decades, he led his teams to 12 Sweet Sixteen appearances, nine Elite Eight finishes and three Final Four appearances. He has compiled an impressive 453-221 career record, surpassing 450 wins and establishing himself as one of the most accomplished coaches in Alabama.

Coach Niehoff, currently the head girls basketball coach at Saraland High School, brings a strong record of sustained success at multiple programs. Prior to her time at Saraland, she led St. Paul's Episcopal School, capturing an area championship, making three regional appearances and advancing to the AHSAA Final Four. Before that, she spent six years at UMS-Wright, where her teams earned five regional appearances, secured four area championships, and reached the AHSAA Final Four. She will reunite with Coach Canova, having previously served as both a player and assistant under his leadership, creating immediate alignment in philosophy, expectations and program culture.

"I am excited to welcome both Coach Canova and Coach Niehoff to Orange Beach," said Athletic Director Shane Alexander. "Individually, they are outstanding coaches. Together, they represent a powerful combination of experience, success and shared vision that will elevate our girls' basketball program."

Coach Canova's philosophy centers on discipline, accountability and a team-first mindset. His programs are known for their preparation, consistency and competitive excellence, as well as for developing student-athletes who represent their schools with character and integrity.

Coach Nieoff will serve as Assistant Coach, Summer Competition Coordinator, and lead Player Development at Orange Beach Elementary School, helping to establish a strong foundation for long-term success. Her role will focus on organizing competitive opportunities, aligning offseason development and building enthusiasm for the game among younger athletes.