News Summary
Mark Alexander has been appointed as the head boys’ basketball coach at Starkville Academy for the second time, effective immediately for the 2024 basketball season. With an impressive coaching background and a history at the academy, Alexander’s return is celebrated by the school administration. Last season, he led the Volunteers to a commendable record, and his experience is expected to significantly impact the team’s performance this year as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Starkville
Mark Alexander has been appointed as the head boys’ basketball coach at Starkville Academy for the second time, effective immediately as the school enters the 2024 basketball season. Alexander’s return to the program is celebrated by the school administration, showcasing their enthusiasm for his leadership within the basketball community.
Last season, Alexander led the Starkville Academy Volunteers to an overall record of 17 wins and 9 losses. Within the competitive landscape of Class 5A, District 1, the team achieved a balanced performance with 5 wins and 5 losses. His previous tenure as head coach at Starkville Academy lasted from 2012 to 2014, during which he garnered valuable experience and success that laid the groundwork for his latest appointment.
Coaching Experience and Achievements
Boasting an impressive 17 years of coaching experience, Alexander has held various roles, including head coach and assistant for both boys and girls teams across multiple educational institutions. Throughout his illustrious career, he has accumulated over 750 career wins and has been instrumental in securing multiple State and Overall Championships at the junior high, junior varsity, and varsity levels.
Alexander’s coaching prowess has earned him numerous accolades, including the Starkville Daily News and Commercial Dispatch Area Coach of the Year award in 2013. In addition, he has been recognized as the District Coach of the Year four times, highlighting his capacity to develop successful programs and foster talent among student-athletes.
Background and Previous Roles
A graduate of Mississippi State University in 1991, Alexander began his coaching journey alongside a career in sports journalism, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of sports and youth development. Prior to returning to Starkville Academy, he served as an assistant coach for both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Heritage Academy in 2023 and fulfilled the role of director for the Heritage Sports Network. Notably, Alexander previously coached at Madison-Ridgeland Academy and Hartfield Academy, broadening his expertise in diverse basketball environments.
The recent decision to bring Alexander back is partly influenced by the departure of Robin Chastain, the former head coach of the girls’ basketball program, who left to join Magnolia Heights School. With the leadership change, Jeremy Nicholas, the Head of School at Starkville Academy, prioritized finding a coach who could not only bring success but also maintain a strong connection within the school community.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Starkville Academy’s announcement of Alexander’s return reflects a commitment to fostering a competitive and motivated athletic program. The school community is anticipating his strategic planning and his ability to cultivate young talent. As preparation for the upcoming season commences, there are high hopes for the Volunteers under his guidance.
Mark Alexander’s experience and pedigree in basketball coaching place him in a robust position to lead Starkville Academy’s boys’ basketball team into a successful season. His understanding of the game, combined with his prior successes at the school, are expected to make a significant impact on both player development and overall team performance in the seasons to come.
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Additional Resources
- Starkville Daily News: Alexander to Coach Girls and Boys Basketball at Starkville Academy
- Google Search: Mark Alexander Starkville Academy
- Commercial Dispatch: Mark Alexander Returns as Head Boys Basketball Coach
- Wikipedia: Mississippi Basketball
- WTVA: Starkville Academy Hired a New Boys Basketball Head Coach
- Google Scholar: Mark Alexander Basketball
- Mississippi Scoreboard: Mark Alexander Leaves MRA for Hartfield
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Commercial Dispatch: Heritage Academy Adds Two Assistant Coaches
- Google News: Starkville Academy Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
