A Family Legacy Takes a New Coaching Turn
Brody Pierce, a former standout at Starkville Academy and Jones Community College, has been appointed assistant soccer coach at East Mississippi Community College, bringing a deep personal connection to the program.
Pierce’s athletic résumé spans soccer, baseball and football at Starkville Academy, where he earned all‑district honors as the team’s top scorer and helped the Volunteers capture the 2017 MAIS Class 5A state title. At Jones, he excelled as a kicker and punter, finishing his junior season 37‑of‑39 on PATs while collecting Academic All‑MACCC recognition and NJCAA All‑Academic Third Team honors.
His family’s ties to the college run deep: his grandfather, Clyde “Baby Doll” Pierce, is a JUCO All‑American enshrined in the EMCC Sports Hall of Fame; his father, Reggie Pierce, wore a Lions jersey from 1992‑1993; uncles Robbie and Mike Pierce played baseball for EMCC; and his younger brother Creed recently graduated, while his mother Jodi has taught business technology on campus for 27 years.
Head coach Chris Rash welcomed Pierce’s return, citing his playing experience and coaching acumen as valuable assets for recruiting, player evaluation and holistic support of student‑athletes. Pierce, who previously assisted football under head coach Buddy Stephens, expressed gratitude for the chance to continue his family’s tradition while contributing to the soccer program’s growth.