Starkville Academy product Brody Pierce named assistant soccer coach at East Mississippi

SCOOBA — Brody Pierce, a former multi-sport prep standout at Starkville Academy who went on to kick and punt for Jones College, has been named as an assistant soccer coach at East Mississippi Community College.

"We are very excited to have Brody join our soccer coaching staff. He is eager to learn and prove himself as a coach at this level," EMCC head soccer coach Chris Rash noted. "Brody knows what it's like to handle the pressures of competition and academics at a high level. These experiences will prove invaluable when helping our young student-athletes navigate college life both on and off the soccer field."

Prior to joining Rash's EMCC soccer coaching program this summer, Pierce worked as a football assistant on Buddy Stephens' Lions football coaching staff during this past spring semester. Along with helping evaluate high school and transfer portal film as well as assisting with on-campus recruiting and prospect evaluations, Pierce provided assistance with football practice organization and player development.

"I'm grateful to Coach (Chris) Rash for giving me an opportunity to join his staff and excited to be a part of the vision he has for EMCC's soccer program," Pierce said. "I'm looking forward to working alongside him and helping our program compete at the highest level while also investing in our student-athletes both on and off the field."

During an internship last fall with the Starkville Partnership Middle School while completing his bachelor's degree in teaching and coaching from Mississippi State University, Pierce also gained valuable sideline experience by coaching sixth and seventh grade physical education and assisting with the school's seventh-grade football team.

Pierce's junior college football career at Jones College was highlighted by his 2021 season when he connected on 37-of-39 point after attempts and split the Bobcats' punting and place-kicking duties. As a Phi Theta Kappa honor society member, he also earned Academic All-MACCC recognition and was a member of the NJCAA All-Academic Third Team.

During his high school playing days at Starkville Academy, Pierce was a four-sport athlete for the Vols. Along with being an All-MAIS selection in football, soccer and track, he also participated in baseball. As a Starkville Daily News All-Area selection, Pierce helped SA to the 2017 football state championship. He also earned all-district and all-star soccer honors as the team's leading scorer during all four years of high school competition.

Pierce comes from an EMCC background with several of his relatives having attended East Mississippi, highlighted by his Hall of Fame grandfather Clyde "Baby Doll" Pierce earning JUCO All-America honors for legendary football coach Bob "Bull" Sullivan in 1960 and noted for being the only player in the school's storied football history to have his jersey number (#31) retired. Pierce's father, Reggie (1992-93), played football for the Lions, while two uncles, Robbie Pierce (1985) and Mike Pierce (1980-81), competed in baseball for EMCC. In addition, Pierce's younger brother, Creed, graduated from EMCC earlier this year, while their mother, Jodi, has taught business technology at EMCC's Mayhew campus for 27 years.

"East Mississippi Community College has been a part of my family's story for generations. To now have the opportunity to continue that tradition as a full-time coach is an honor," Pierce added. "EMCC has given so much to my family, and I'm thankful for the chance to give back."