STARKVILLE — The Jackets celebrated another college signing day on Tuesday as Starkville senior Dean Lockhart signed with Delta State University to continue his academic and athletic career.
Lockhart’s decision was based partly on a coaching match, with Will Irvin serving as head coach. Irvin, himself an alumnus of SHS tennis, was formerly the Golden Triangle Tennis League Coordinator before becoming head coach at Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2021 and then Delta State in 2023.
“I’ve always known him, I know it’s a good environment up there and I know the way he trains and I wanted to be a part of it,” Lockhart said of joining Irvin’s program. “I’d say it’s pretty important knowing the coach, knowing he’s not just going to let me run free. As a player, especially in an individual sport, discipline is a big thing. In the sense of getting up and going to get stuff done, having the work ethic to get it done, I know that’s something he’s always been strong about.”
Lockhart’s passion for the sport was sparked by hours spent training with Irvin as well as Starkville tennis head coach Vanessa Shaffer, who celebrated Lockhart’s achievement alongside Dean, his family and his teammates in a ceremony at the SHS library.
“I want to recognize her commitment to the tennis community,” Lockhart’s mother Cindy Lockhart said. “When Dean was four and five he was out there with her on the tennis courts in the summer, she was coaching and giving it everything she had. I truly appreciate her passion for tennis, hanging in with us over the years and really challenging Dean to set goals and excel each year at each step, not give up and keep at it.”
Lockhart went 3-1 at the Mississippi State closed championships in May, advancing to the Round of 16.
With his college recruitment now settled, Lockhart is focused on finishing strong in his senior year. His offseason conditioning work now transitions to preparation for the Jackets’ season opener against West Lauderdale in February.
“I’m excited for my senior season,” he said. “I’ve seen friends already in soccer and football and they’re loving it. Practice is right now with conditioning, I’m glad that’s over with all the running, but I’m excited and we’re going for the state championship as always. That’s the goal.”
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