Exciting News for Starkville: Coach Jerrial Dawson Joins ‘Tomorrow’s 25’
Starkville is buzzing with excitement as one of its own, Jerrial Dawson, has been selected to be a part of the prestigious ‘Tomorrow’s 25’ program for the 2024-2025 class of the Mississippi Excellence in Coaching Fellowship. This initiative is all about nurturing the next generation of leaders in high school and middle school athletics across the state. It’s an incredible opportunity for Dawson, who serves as the assistant boys basketball coach and the ninth grade principal at Starkville High School.
A Golden Opportunity
Finalized in early August, Dawson’s selection highlights his commitment and potential as a coach. The ‘Tomorrow’s 25’ fellowship identifies 25 up-and-coming coaching professionals from Mississippi and provides them with innovative professional development opportunities. Over the next year, these coaches will participate in 15 meetings, both virtually and in person, allowing them to connect, learn, and grow together. As Dawson aptly puts it, “We will all be growing together.”
The Spirit of Fellowship
For Dawson, this is more than just a professional milestone; it’s an opportunity to build relationships and share knowledge with fellow coaches. He emphasizes the importance of learning from each other, stating, “I’m a continuous learner, and being able to learn from other coaches is so valuable, as well as being able to share your wisdom.” Being one of the more experienced members in the group, Dawson is excited to pass on his insights while also soaking up new ideas.
Empowering Coaches and Athletes
The Mississippi Excellence in Coaching Fellowship aims to invest annually in emerging leaders who have shown a knack for leadership within the athletics realm. The program emphasizes not just the technical aspects of coaching but also focuses on developing the whole athlete, concentrating on aspects like leadership, resilience, empathy, and responsibility. Dawson’s unique background as both a coach and administrator allows him to truly understand this holistic approach.
Support from the Community
Superintendent Tony McGee expressed immense pride in Dawson’s selection, noting his proven track record in both coaching and school administration. He said, “His career as a coach and in school administration has positioned him as a leader across the state on both the court and in the regular school environment.” With Dawson’s experience and dedication, McGee believes he will be an inspiring role model for fellow coaches.
A Wealth of Experience
Dawson joined the Starkville High School administrative team and athletic staff in July and has been making a significant impact since day one. As the assistant boys basketball coach, he collaborates closely with Head Coach Anthony Carlyle. With over six years of head coaching experience, Dawson is well-equipped to support Carlyle in shaping young athletes. The two have known each other for years, creating a strong support system through shared experiences in education and athletics.
The Balancing Act
For Dawson, balancing the demands of coaching and administrative duties is a rewarding challenge. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “The need for educator coaches goes a long way.” What started as purely a passion for sports has evolved into a deep appreciation for the impact he can have in students’ lives beyond the court. He encourages young coaches to focus on personal growth as educators, explaining, “The better you build yourself as an educator, you’ll become a better coach.”
Building a Bright Future
Dawson’s selection for the ‘Tomorrow’s 25’ program is a significant step forward not just for him, but for the Starkville community. His journey emphasizes the importance of investing in opportunities that foster growth, not only for coaches but also for athletes and the broader school community.
As Starkville continues to shine in cultivating talents in education and athletics, we look forward to seeing all the wonderful changes that Dawson and his peers will bring in the upcoming year.
