Strong coaching, community leads to success at Abbeville
Abbeville Head Coach Jamie Nickles led the Panthers to a state football title last fall, his ninth as the school’s head coach.
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Abbeville – As one of the more rabid fan bases in the state of high school sports, Abbeville High athletics has as much community support as any school in the state.
It truly is all about the “A” when it comes to supporting the Panthers. The school’s athletic director, Maggie Jameson, is well aware of that support and says it plays a major role in the overall athletic success.
“Abbeville has the most supportive fans who come out to events by the bus load and are always there to support out athletes in every way possible,” says Jameson, who is entering her fourth year as athletic director. “Without the community, the fans, the businesses, we could not run our athletic department.”
Along with community support, Jameson sees a coaching staff that works extra hard to give their athletes the best opportunity to compete and win championships. And, coaching at Abbeville is about more than wins and losses.
“Our coaches do a phenomenal job of not only coaching our athletes in their respective sports, but also coaching them in the game of life,” she says. “They work so hard to ensure that we succeed on the field, on the court, on the mat, and in our community.”
Jameson says the ability to maintain the varsity head coaching roster also plays a key role in success. The longer a coach can be in the program, the better opportunity to establish a winning culture.
"Abbeville High School is proud to welcome back the majority of our outstanding coaching staff for the upcoming year,” she said. “We’re also excited to introduce a few new and returning faces who will strengthen our athletic program.
“With the dedication of our returning coaches and the fresh energy from our new additions, we look forward to continuing the strong tradition of excellence in Abbeville athletics.”
Abbeville will have two new varsity head coaches for the 2025-26 school year. Former volleyball coach Anne Marie New will take over as the girls tennis coach this fall. Taking over the cross country and track and field program will be Jeremiah Boyd, who comes to Abbeville from Ware Shoals High School.
“We’re thrilled to have Anne Marie New return to coaching,” Jameson said. “She previously led our Varsity Volleyball team and will now bring her experience and leadership to our tennis program. Additionally, we welcome Jeremiah Boyd to AHS. He brings valuable coaching experience in cross country and track and will be a great asset to our team.”
Jamie Nickles returns as the head football coach. Nickles led the Panthers to a state title last fall, his ninth as the school’s head coach. He is the all-time winningest coach in school history.
Sara Wojlkowski returns for her second season as the volleyball coach. Jameson and Katie Finley handle the cheerleading program.
Doug Belcher is the boys basketball coach, having led his team to the Class A Upper State title last season. Ellis Belton returns as the girls basketball coach and Bill Glace is the head wrestling coach.
In the spring, Daniel Little is the head baseball coach while Tim Collins and Lacy Johnson team up as the softball coaches.
Andy Hagood is the boys golf coach. The soccer teams are coached by Martin Lockyer (girls) and Arnaldo Sabatino (boys).
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