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After 13 years at Lowndes Academy, the Rebels’ head coach Shane Moye announced he has accepted the position as head coach of the Prattville Christian Academy (PCA) Panthers.

Moye, who has led the Rebels as head coach for seven years, said the decision did not come easy.

“It was probably the toughest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” Moye said.

Along with his wife Kayla, and children — Parker, Pearson and Wilson — Moye made the decision that was ultimately best for the entire family, he explained.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life, but sad to leave Lowndes Academy, which will always have a special place in my heart,” Moye said. “It felt like God had opened another door for me and my family and it was a family decision. What it came down to, more than anything else it was what was best for my whole family.”

Athletic Director Matt Marshall expressed a feeling of loss at saying goodbye to someone he regards as a close friend.

“We wish him the best,” Marshall said. “I’m happy for him and I know he’ll be successful because I know how hard he works, and I know he will put everything he’s got into building a winning program over there. 

“Me and coach Steven Self actually hired Shane 13 years ago. We hate to see him leave, but that doesn’t mean we will quit being friends. I feel like I’m losing a friend that I get to see every day, but we won’t quit being friends.”

Lowndes Academy Headmaster Barry Mohun echoed Marshall’s sentiments.

“Coach Moye did a tremendous job with the football program,” Mohun said. “He took it to heights we have never achieved before. Coach Moye does things the right way and he will be sorely missed. We wish him the best in the future.”

Moye will begin his duties at PCA in January and will be teaching as well as coaching football. The school plays sports in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 3A and thus will not compete with Lowndes Academy, which competes in the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA).

Marshall said Lowndes Academy’s board of directors has formed a search committee for Moye’s replacement with the intention of recruiting the person best suited to the school’s winning culture.

“Shane, along with all of us, has really gotten everyone to buy in,” Marshall said. “We’ve had a really good run of establishing a winning tradition and setting the standard really high.

“We’re looking for [someone who is] a role model… somebody that the kids can look up to, can emulate and can grow from.”