Coach Hite Focused On Student Athlete Development At Emerald High

Coach Hite Focused On Student Athlete Development At Emerald High 

By Billy G. Baker

Publisher

Greenwood—Emerald athletic director Mack Hite is proud to welcome five new head varsity coaches to the Viking’s athletic program for the 2025-26 school year.

The new coaches include Emily Shirley to the swim program, Jonathan Bass is the new girls’ soccer coach, Hayden Lawter takes over wrestling, Lauren Boyd is the new tennis coach, and Garrett Jones is the new girls’ basketball coach.

“I am excited about all these new head coaches for Emerald,” said Coach Hite. “They bring about expectations and energy that will help build on the great tradition of Emerald athletics.”

Coach Hite defines his responsibilities as athletic director at Emerald High in the following six categories: 1. Program oversight & development 2. Athletic Eligibility & Advancement 3. Compliance & Communication 4. Event management 5. Budgeting and Fundraising along with 6. Student-Athlete Development.

“I most enjoy number 6, creating an environment that athletes can have the tools they need to reach their dreams and become the best version of themselves before they take on the real world after high school,” said Coach Hite.

Two returning head coaches to the school with the most coaching experience are head football coach Tad Dubose who has 33 years of service in coaching and head basketball coach John Mark Scruggs who is well over 20 years.

Other returning head coaches to the Emerald for the 2025 26 school year include David Payne with boy’s and girl’s cross country, David Moody with boy’s golf and Kayla Beale is back to coach girl’s golf. Tiara Agnew is back to head coach softball and Coach Hite will continue coaching baseball.

Other returning head varsity coaches include: Nicole Shearin-boy’s & girl’s swimming, David Windham-boy’s tennis, Michael Peak is the head trainer, Patricia Wirszyk returns with volleyball, and Willie Rayford is back with the wrestling program and Jake Jenkins will be back at the boys’ volleyball coach. 

Rounding out the varsity head coaches are Spirit cheer coaches Sidnei Nickles, Cason Wright, and Dominque Wooders.  

Coach Dubose has seven hard-working assistant coaches helping him with the Viking’s varsity football team. Thomas Dubose is the defensive coordinator who works with linebackers and Garrett Jones is the offensive coordinator who works with quarterbacks.

The remaining varsity assistants are Coach Hite with receivers, Barry Kinard coaches running backs, Austin Sargant is with the offensive line and Carson Smith focuses on the defensive line. Coach Dubose works with defensive backs. Cody Cockrell mentors the defensive line.

Coach Dubose commented, “We have a great mix of good senior leadership and some talented underclassmen so we are expecting an exciting season,” he said. “Loving each other!”