Chad Leaphart leaving post as Lexington 1 athletic director. Here’s what we know
Chad Leaphart is stepping down as Lexington 1 district athletic director.
Leaphart confirmed Wednesday to The State his plans to retire. His last day on the job will be on June 30.
Leaphart will have 29 years and six months in the state system in June, he said.. Twenty-eight years are needed to retire in the state system for an educator.
The district posted the opening for his job Wednesday.
“I have been blessed the last ten years working for Lexington 1,” Leaphart said. “From Gilbert at High School to district athletic director position, it is just great people, great schools, great kids. My experience with Lexington 1 has been great. The people have been nothing but supportive to me.”
Leaphart already has plans for his next opportunity. He is going to be an offensive assistant with the Saluda football team and also teach at the school as part of the state’s hire/rehire program for retired teachers.
Saluda head coach Greg Woerner was an assistant under Leaphart at Gilbert and Leaphart has several other connections at the school.
Leaphart took over for David Bennett, the district’s first athletic director, in January 2024.
Before becoming district AD, Leaphart was a successful head coach at Swansea and Gilbert from 2010-23.
Leaphart left Gilbert as the program’s winningest coach. He went 78-18 in his eight seasons, breaking Marty Woolbright’s 68 wins. Woolbright was Leaphart’s high school head coach at Gilbert.
Under Leaphart, the Indians won four region titles and 10 or more games in a season five times, including an 11-2 record and trip to the 2023 Class 3A Lower State semifinals before losing to Camden, 35-28.
Gilbert made the playoffs every year under Leaphart and won at least one playoff game each year. The Indians made it to the 3A Lower State championship in 2020.
Before Gilbert, Leaphart went 41-27 at Swansea and led the Tigers to five playoff appearances in six seasons. He also was an assistant coach at Strom Thurmond from 2000-10 and Pelion from 1997-2000.
This story was originally published February 18, 2026 at 12:59 PM.
