STARKVILLE — Starkville Academy announced William Wells as the school’s new boys soccer head coach on Thursday night, introducing him to a crowd of players and parents at the school gymnasium.
“I’ve been thankful to coach for 20 years,” Wells said. “I can’t wait to get to know the kids. I’m excited about it and to learn what they can do.”
Wells has been a coach for 20 years, coaching several teams including his two children’s respective teams. Most recently, Wells was the assistant coach at Starkville High School when his son Will was a player there, working alongside head coach Evinn Watson.
“One big thing for us was his success over 20 years of investing in our community,” SA athletic director Greg Owen said. “He’s developed a lot of kids in the area already, and on top of that having a proven record at the highest level of public-school ball, you pair those things together and you have a good chance to have a great season with a winning coach.”
Wells takes over a team of experienced players who return after a first-round playoff exit last season.
“I hope y’all can run two miles in under 13 minutes,” Wells said, only half joking. “If you can’t, we’re behind. I’m big about being mentally and physically tough,” Wells said. “There are only two things we’ve got from the day we’re born to the day we die, and that’s our mind and our body. If you don’t take care of those it’ll be tough for the rest of your life.”
Wells is a mechanic by trade with 27 years of experience working in the area. He is the owner and operator of William Wells Tire & Auto with three locations in the Golden Triangle. Wells’ son, Will, plays soccer at Northwest Mississippi Community College and his daughter played for Itawamba Community College.
His connection to the Starkville community is part of what drew Owen to Wells as a candidate for the position, and the AD expressed excitement about introducing him to the Starkville Academy community.
“During the interview process, it became apparent that he was interested in not just soccer but developing these young boys into men,” Owen said. “That’s a big goal of ours across the board.”
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