Alan Yawn is “The big beard at the end of the bench.” Alan is in his 7th season with the Bobcats serving as chaplain for the program. In addition to Pastoral counseling, and Spiritual Direction; Yawn helps with community relations and connecting student athletes to the Banner Elk community as a whole.

Alan has served as the Pastor of Banner Elk Christian Fellowship since 2013, and prior to that as the Area Director for High-Country YoungLife from 2000-2013. Alan is the head coach for the Avery High Men’s soccer program and has coached for the Avery County School system for 28 years.

Alan and his wife Amy have been married for 26 years and have lived in Banner Elk for as long. They have two adult children, Owen and Annie; and a son Kaleil, a junior student-athlete at Avery County High School.