Payton Pearce, head tennis coach at Tupelo High School, is a finalist to be named the nation’s best prep coach.
The school announced Thursday that Pearce is one of eight finalists for Coach of the Year honors from the National High School Athletic Coaches Association.
Last season, Pearce led the Golden Wave to the MHSAA 7A state championship – the program’s first title since 2009 and 13th overall.
“I’m incredibly humbled and honored,” Pearce said. “You get this type of recognition by having great players and support from all levels. Their hard work, commitment, and belief in what we’re building every day are what makes moments like this possible. I’m blessed to coach outstanding student-athletes who represent our program and Tupelo High School the right way on and off the court.”
Now in his eighth season at Tupelo, Pearce earned his 100th career victory last week when the Golden Wave defeated Southaven 7-0. He holds a 103-29 overall record, including a 59-5 mark over the past three seasons.
Tupelo is currently 6-2 on the year, including a 4-0 mark in division play, after shutting out both Lewisburg and DeSoto Central on Wednesday.
Founded in 1965, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association is the nation’s oldest high school coaches’ organization. Finalists for the Coach of the Year award are selected based on longevity, service to high school athletics, championship success, and winning percentage.