Categories: Events/What's HappeningNewsSports

Starkville Academy Appoints New Head Baseball Coach

Starkville Academy baseball team practicing on the field

News Summary

Starkville Academy has named Lee Berryhill as their new head baseball coach, a move that has brought excitement and optimism to the program. With over 30 years of coaching experience, including two Hall of Fame inductions and multiple state championships, Berryhill aims to lead the team to new heights. He will also continue to coach the softball team. Alongside Berryhill, a strong coaching staff has been appointed to ensure a successful upcoming season, following last season’s impressive record.

Starkville Welcomes New Head Baseball Coach

Exciting times are on the horizon for Starkville Academy as they have officially named Lee Berryhill as the new head baseball coach. The announcement, which was met with enthusiasm and optimism, took place during a special event held on campus, radiating energy and hope for the season ahead.

A Coach with Experience

With over 30 years of coaching experience under his belt, Berryhill is no stranger to the world of sports. His impressive coaching resume includes stints at schools like Wheeler, Eupora, and East Webster. This isn’t just any hire; this is a coach who has proven his mettle, earning the accolade of being inducted into the Hall of Fame not once, but twice! Berryhill has received recognition from both the Northeast Mississippi Baseball Coaches and the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fames—talk about pedigree!

A Legacy of Winning

During his remarkable 17 years at Eupora, Berryhill helped lead the team to two state championships. And if that wasn’t enough, he also claimed five total state titles while coaching softball at East Webster. To top it off, he began coaching softball at Starkville Academy in 2020, further adding to his impressive legacy.

Support from Athletic Director

Greg Owen, the athletic director at Starkville Academy, shared that bringing on a proven winner like Berryhill is a tremendous boon for the school. The search for a new baseball coach was quite competitive, attracting around 30 applicants who were eager to step into this prestigious role. However, it was Berryhill’s extensive experience and success that ultimately made him the standout choice.

Managing Multiple Responsibilities

In an interesting turn of events, Berryhill will not only take on the responsibilities of the new baseball coach but will also continue to coach the softball team! Owen reassured the community that Berryhill has a firm commitment to the softball program while ensuring he has the time and resources needed to excel at both sports. This shows the school’s dedication to fostering strong athletic programs, while also keeping a sharp eye on managing workload.

A Strong Coaching Team

To further strengthen the baseball program, the academy has also announced that Wes Johnson will join the coaching staff as the pitching coach for the varsity baseball team. Johnson comes with impressive credentials of his own, being a former SEC pitcher from Mississippi State. He will be joined by another pitching coach, Josh Reagan, who also boasts significant experience on the mound.

Excited for the Upcoming Season

As the Starkville Academy baseball team prepares for the upcoming season, they do so with a solid foundation. Last season, the team finished with an impressive regular-season record of 19-7 and a commendable 10-5 in Class 5A, District 1. Now, they’re set to kick off their postseason play against Leake Academy, weather permitting, and everyone is eager to see how the new coaching staff will influence the team’s performance on the field.

A Bright Future Ahead

The excitement buzzing around Starkville Academy is palpable. With Lee Berryhill at the helm of the baseball team, backed by a strong coaching staff, the future looks bright. Fans, students, and families are rallying behind the program, anxious to see what this new chapter will hold for Starkville baseball.

So, let’s gear up, Starkville! Baseball season is just around the corner, and with new leadership in place, there’s no telling just how far this team can go!