Dorchester Academy returns a veteran varsity head coaching staff
Raiders sports coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign
St. George – Dorchester Academy had a pretty good run in all of its sports during the 2024-25 school year. With all of the varsity head coaches returning, the Raiders are looking for another big year for ’25-26.
“We’re returning a veteran varsity coaching staff across all of Raider athletics who understand teaching and coaching the entire-student athlete,” said Dorchester athletic director and football head coach Michael Nelson. “Our coaches get to know our student-athletes on a deeper level that allows them to develop our athletes as better people as well as athletes.
“We are fortunate to have a group of coaches who understand our kids and truly maximize their potentials. It’s going to be a great year across the board for DA athletics.”
Nelson returns for his third season at Dorchester. He led the Raiders to an 8-3 record last year as they reached the semifinals of the SCISA Class A state playoffs.
Returning to assist Nelson are Lance Brownlee, Austin Mizzell, Brady Cook and Nick Chinners. The newcomer to the staff is Larry Windham.
Justin McClure will return for his second year as softball head coach. There is only one way for the Raiders to top his first season and that is by winning the state title.
The Raiders reached the best-of-3 AA state championship series. They were swept by Carolina Academy, losing 7-6 and 5-2. Still, Dorchester finished with a 19-6 overall record and return most of its starting lineup for the upcoming year.
Dorchester reached the championship series by rolling through its bracket in the state tournament. The Raiders defeated Andrew Jackson Academy 15-0, The King’s Academy 5-1 and Lee Academy 15-5.
Brent Jackson returns as the baseball head coach after leading the Raiders to the semifinals o the AA state
playoffs.
Longtime girls basketball head coach Callie McClure returns as does boys basketball head coach
Nick McAlhany.
The Dorchester girls just missed out on playing for the AA state title. The Raiders lost to Laurens Academy 44-43 in overtime in the semifinals. Dorchester finished with an 18-8 record.
The boys team went 10-13 and earned a berth in the playoffs.
Elizabeth Huff is back for her second year leading the volleyball program.
Dorchester will offer a new sport in the fall in cross country. Jason Britt will be the head coach.
Leah Owens is the cheer coach.
