St. Paul’s, Robertsdale hire new basketball coaches

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St. Paul’s is officially moving in a new direction on the hardwood. Following a quick search, athletic director Shane Sullivan has tapped Patrick Niland to lead the Saints' boys basketball program.

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A Legacy Hire for the Saints

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The hire, announced Thursday, brings a familiar name in Mobile basketball circles to St. Paul’s. Niland, who spent the past year steering the ship at St. Luke’s, is the son of Joe Niland—the former Spring Hill College and University of Mobile head coach who is set to be inducted into the Mobile County Sports Hall of Fame next month.

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Sullivan expressed immediate confidence in the hire. \"I was impressed from his first interview and even prior to that,\" Sullivan said. \"Patrick is a young coach, very motivated, comes from good genes. He’s been around basketball all his life. I love what he stands for and what he wants to instill in our young student-athletes. He’s an excellent fit.\”

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Building at St. Paul’s

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Niland takes over for Brandon Garrett and is already looking at the long-term potential of the program as it prepares to compete in the new Private School AA next fall. \"St. Paul’s is obviously a school with great athletic tradition and is one of the top private schools in the state,\" Niland noted. \"There is a lot of support there, and I think I can build something long term that can be successful.\"

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The transition brings a touch of irony, as Niland is a 2014 graduate of UMS-Wright, St. Paul’s longtime rival. While joking that his history might ruffle a few feathers, he emphasized his respect for the pedigree of schools along Old Shell Road. Before his stint at St. Luke’s—where he helped improve the program from a single win to six this past season—Niland served as an assistant at Spring Hill College and spent time with the University of Alabama and University of South Alabama programs.

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Changes in Robertsdale

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The coaching carousel also stopped in Baldwin County, where Robertsdale has officially named Daniel LoVette as the new head coach for the girls basketball program.

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LoVette is no stranger to the Golden Bears, having spent three years with the program. He most recently served as an assistant to Marshall Davis and head freshman coach, even stepping in to lead the team during the 2024-2025 season. \"I am honored to continue my role in the Robertsdale High School community, but in a different capacity as the new head coach of the varsity women’s basketball program,\" LoVette said. The Kentucky native brings six years of coaching experience within the county to his new role.

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