Chisholm Trails girls basketball coach David Norris is in the ICU awaiting a heart transplant.
Courtesy to the Star-Telegram
Chisholm Trail girls basketball head coach David Norris has spent his 35-year career fighting for others on the basketball court. Now, the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw coach is facing the toughest fight of his life.
Norris is in the intensive care unit waiting for a heart transplant. A GoFundMe was created to help Norris’ family with medical expenses.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many coaches, but David Norris is truly special,” EMS ISD assistant athletic director John Abendschan said. “He is an outstanding leader, a dedicated coach, and most importantly a man of integrity who puts his athletes and their growth first.”
Before his time at Chisholm Trail, Norris served as an assistant to former Boswell girls basketball coach John Reese. He helped spark a program that would eventually grow into a state champion.
“We, as coaches, have to grow these individuals to be outstanding people,” Reese said. “That’s what you look for in coaches. And [Norris] is just the epitome of that.”
Norris also had stints at Columbia, Brenham, Leakey, San Marcos and Dripping Springs. He has over 400 wins in his career and has received numerous district coach of the year honors. While at Chisholm Trail, Norris also contributed as a defensive backs coach for the football team.
With Norris stepping away, Shenika Robertson is serving as head coach. The Rangers have a 14-9 record and hope to make a playoff run after two years of steady growth under Norris.
Reese, who called Norris a fighter, said he’ll lean on his faith. He visited the coach in the hospital, and said he was moved by his selflessness in a tough time.
“That’s just who he is,” Reese said. “He doesn’t know if he is going to make it to the next day — and he is worried about his team. Talking about his team. … And how Coach Robertson is doing a great job. And how those kids are progressing and how they are doing.”
Abendschan said Norris is deeply loved and that the EMS ISD community is hopeful for his recovery.
“David is a loving husband and father, with a daughter currently in college, and his family remains at the center of everything he does,” Abendschan said. “The impact he has had on our students, staff, and community is profound. Our coaches, athletes, and families stand firmly behind David, lifting him and his family up in prayer as he courageously faces the need for a heart transplant.”
This story was originally published January 10, 2026 at 1:29 PM.
Charles Baggarly
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