Among many coaching changes within Mansfield School District, Kaylie Pyles (Left), and Erica McKay (Right) were recently hired to join the districts staff and takeover coaching duties, and academic roles. Both Pyles and McKay are 2014 MHS graduates, and heartfelt about “Tiger Pride” being that they were also decorated student athletes in multiple sports.
Kaylie Pyles will be Head Senior High Volleyball coach as well as Assistant Basketball and Track, as well as Middle School Physical Education, and High School Health. Erica McKay will be Head Coach Junior High Volleyball and Basketball and assist in Softball, as well as Middle School Science.
Pyles commented, “I am beyond blessed to be able to have the opportunity to come back and coach at my Alma Mater. This community, people, and town mean everything to me. I want to bring intensity, passion, and excitement to volleyball and continue on the legacy. This group of girls deserve to have someone who is committed to teaching them to be their best today, tomorrow and for the future. I’m super excited to get started and I know it will be a great upcoming year for the Lady Tigers. Coaching alongside Erica McKay will make for a great year.
McKay stated, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Mansfield School District as a teacher and coach. I am excited to come back to my hometown to contribute in our school academically and in the athletic program. I am looking forward to working alongside a friend and former teammate and hope to continue to build our girls athletic program. We have high expectations of our girls and plan to encourage them to work hard on and off the court to be successful and represent Mansfield well.”
Regarding additional coaching changes, Josh Bryan will become Senior High head girls basketball Coach (previously Head Girls Junior High Coach), Keith Stovall will become Assistant Boys Basketball Coach (previously Head Girls Senior High Coach), Keith Dake will assist in Cross Country (previously Volleyball Interim Head Coach/Assistant). The additional coaching duties will not change with Dake (Head Senior High Boys Basketball), Bryan (Assistant Track), Stovall (Assistant Football)
“We are very excited about our future going forward. With the hires and changes we have made it will have a huge positive impact on a multitude of sports (cross country ,volleyball , basketball, track, football). We are able to bring more help and structure to our athletic programs as a whole and most importantly our kids will reap huge benefits.” stated Co-Director of Programs, and Personnel, Craig Bentley.
Bentley added, “A big thanks to our administration and school board for having the vision to make all this possible as well as our coaches who always put the kids first. I fully believe that we have our coaches in a position to where they can strive professionally and give our kids and programs the best chance to succeed to the best of their ability”