After nearly a quarter of a century at Kosciusko High School, the last 19 as softball coach, Tony Terry is leaving to become softball coach at Central Holmes Christian School in Lexington.
“I would like to thank all the players and all the assistant coaches I have worked with through the years. They put in an enormous amount of hard work to make the program what it is today,” Terry said. “Everything we have accomplished is a direct result of the great players who have come through here. Without them and their effort, none of this would have been possible.”
Terry is a 1992 Kosciusko graduate from the Sallis community who played baseball and football for the Whippets. He attended Holmes Community College and is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in history.
He spent five years at Durant High School (1995-'99), where he started the baseball program. His teams won 50 games and a division championship.
Terry returned to Kosciusko in 1999 as baseball pitching coach under Kevin Pullen. He became the softball coach in 2005 when offered the position by school superintendent Dr. David Sistrunk and assistant superintendent Dr. Tony McGee.
Terry had never thought that he might coach softball, but is glad that it happened. “It really worked out well. I have really enjoyed it. It was a blessing all the way round.”
It was also a blessing for the school considering the success the Lady Whippets have enjoyed, including 4A state championships in 2018, 2021 and 2022. This year's team repeated as Region 4-4A champion with a 10-0 record, including two victories over West Lauderdale, although the Lady Knights defeated the Lady Whippets in the North State final on their way to the state championship.
His 19-year record is 422-124. Since 2018, the record is 154-31, an .832 winning percentage. Following last year’s state championship, he was named state softball Coach of the Year by the Mississippi High School Activities Association and was among eight finalists for national coach of the year.
Terry will also be assistant baseball coach at Central Holmes. “Going back to where I started.”
He will be able to do both because softball is a fall sport for MAIS schools.
Kosciusko has placed a job notice on the MHSAA website seeking a replacement as softball coach. “Whoever they hire will have plenty of pieces to work with,” Terry said. “The next coach will inherit a tremendously talented team that will be a joy to coach. I wish them all the best and expect to see them compete for the championship next year.”
Kosciusko had six underclassmen in the starting lineup this year. First baseman Mary Kimble Price and shortstop Makynlee Dickerson are sophomores who have started the past three years. Junior Anna Grace Whitehead has been the Lady Whippets ace pitcher for two seasons.
