Perry Tyndall’s Legacy Grows: A Coaching Journey Rooted in Tradition, Family, and Sacrifice

Perry Tyndall’s Legacy Grows: A Coaching Journey Rooted in Tradition, Family, and Sacrifice

For Perry Tyndall, coaching at Kinston High School isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about carrying on a tradition, one that stretches back decades and has been the heart of the community. That tradition reached another milestone recently when Tyndall secured his 276th career victory, surpassing his former mentor, Wells Gulledge, for second place on Kinston High School’s all-time wins list.

Despite the achievement, Tyndall remains humble. His success, he insists, is a reflection of the players and coaches who have come through the program and bought into what Kinston basketball represents.

"Honestly, it’s because of a heck of a lot of really great players that I’ve been able to coach who have believed in what this program is about," Tyndall said. "From Paul Jones to Craig Hill, to George Stackhouse, to Wells Gulledge—everyone has understood what this tradition means. This isn’t just about me; it’s something bigger than any one player or coach who has ever been here."

Finding His Calling: A Journey Back to Kinston

Tyndall’s path to coaching wasn’t traditional, and for a long time, he never imagined himself in this role. Coaching was not a lifelong dream, nor was teaching something he had mapped out for himself while in college.

"I didn’t even go to college thinking I wanted to teach or coach," Tyndall admitted. "I reached out to Coach Hill, who was the principal at the time, and he said he might have a social studies opening along with a chance to coach JV basketball. That opportunity propelled me into my purpose."

Before that, coaching was nowhere in the picture. His initial plan was completely different—he had even considered a year-long mission trip in Africa.

"I had an opportunity to go on this year-long mission trip," he recalled. "And I thought about it, but something kept pulling me back home. I wanted to see what this was like. And looking back now, it’s clear God had His hand on all of it."

What started as a temporary position soon turned into a lifelong calling.

"That first year of coaching hooked me," Tyndall said. "I realized this was where I was supposed to be."

Learning From the Best

His journey in coaching began as an assistant under Wells Gulledge, an experience he credits as one of the most valuable of his career.

"Working under Wells was tremendous," he said. "He had played at Mount Olive, learned under Coach Clingan, and had a wealth of knowledge. Being an assistant was pure coaching. There was no pressure of being the head guy—you could just dive into the X’s and O’s and focus on making players better."

Even before his coaching days, Tyndall had been around great basketball minds. His brother played for legendary Kinston coach Paul Jones, giving him a front-row seat to what it meant to build a winning culture.

"I was able to live through my brother’s experience because we were five years apart," Tyndall said. "When he went to college, he played JV at UNC under Coach Hanners, who was an assistant for Dean Smith. I got to go to those games and see that culture up close. Those experiences shaped how I see the game today."

The Importance of Coaching at Kinston

Kinston basketball is bigger than any single season or any single coach. It is a program built on history, excellence, and community support.

"This isn’t just another high school basketball program," Tyndall said. "This means something to people. You look up in the stands, and you see people who played here decades ago. It’s a part of them. They come back because this is home."

That connection to the past is something Tyndall doesn’t take lightly.

"You don’t just coach at Kinston," he said. "You are entrusted with something special. It’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than any one player, and that’s what makes it so meaningful."

Of course, coaching at Kinston also comes with pressure.

"The expectations here are real," Tyndall admitted. "Losing is tough. I don’t care what it is—I’m a competitor. If I’m playing Nerf basketball with my son in the hallway, I want to win. But when you lose here, it’s different. People care. And that’s a good thing."

He acknowledges that every coach gets second-guessed, but he embraces that part of the job.

"Everybody has opinions on what should be done, but unless you’re in the trenches every day, you don’t truly know what goes into it," he said. "But I wouldn’t want to coach anywhere else."

The Role of Family

While basketball has been his passion, Tyndall knows that none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of his wife, Lauren.

"Look, I appreciate you asking that question," Tyndall said when the topic of family came up. "Because people don’t always see the sacrifices that go into this. Coaching demands so much time, and that’s time away from home."

Lauren didn’t grow up in a sports-heavy environment, but when she met Perry, she embraced it fully.

"She wasn’t into sports, but she dove in headfirst," he said. "We have pictures of our kids as babies in the gym, sitting at center court with a state championship trophy. My kids have grown up in this gym."

His wife’s support extends beyond just attending games.

"If I’m practicing off-campus, she’s bringing the laundry and taking care of things behind the scenes," he said. "She’s been a rock through all of this. Coaching can’t work without that kind of support. If she wasn’t on board, this wouldn’t be possible."

Even now, their children are becoming more involved.

"My son, Tru, comes to practice, listens, and soaks it in. Lauren and my kids are just as much a part of this as I am. Me and Ollie breakdown our own assessments after games because she has been around it her whole life, its second nature." he said. "That’s what makes it special."

The Brotherhood of Assistant Coaches

Tyndall was once an assistant himself, and he has a deep appreciation for the coaches who stand beside him every day.

"Assistant coaches don’t get enough credit," he said. "They put in the work, and they don’t get the spotlight. But I couldn’t do this without them."

He praised his staff, including Coach Shepard, Coach Parson, Coach Fink, Coach Clark, and Coach Fourre.

"They all bring different strengths, and I trust them completely," he said. "I’d want my son to be coached by them because of who they are as men, not just basketball coaches."

Looking Ahead

Now second on Kinston’s all-time wins list, Tyndall still has a long way to go to catch Paul Jones, who won over 600 games.

"That record is going to stand for a long time," he said. "Coach Jones did it at such a high level for so many years. To even be mentioned alongside him is an honor."

As for how long he plans to keep coaching?

"I don’t know," he said with a smile. "Some years are more frustrating than others. The losses don’t get easier. But I still love seeing kids grow, watching them succeed. That’s what keeps me going."

Tyndall may not have always seen coaching in his future, but there’s no doubt now—he’s right where he’s supposed to be. And as long as he’s leading Kinston basketball, the tradition will remain in good hands.