Mark Fanning’s Next Chapter
Mark Fanning, who has steered the baseball program at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Mississippi, for almost three decades, announced that he will retire from coaching at the end of the current season.
Fanning, a fixture on the local sports scene, will shift to the role of Director of Athletic Facilities, a position he says will let him stay connected to the school’s athletic infrastructure while giving him more time to watch his son Rolen compete for William Carey University in Hattiesburg.
The move comes after a career that includes 626 wins, two state championships and a reputation for building one of the most respected high school programs in Mississippi.
A Family Legacy
His successor, Josh Newell, has been promoted from associate head coach to head coach. Newell, a former head coach at Park Place Christian School, joined St. Andrew’s in 2024 and quickly earned the trust of players and staff alike.
Newell’s coaching journey began on the sidelines of several private schools before he took the helm at Park Place Christian, where he honed a player‑first philosophy that resonated with the Saints’ roster.
The transition is also a family affair. Mark Fanning’s father, Mack Fanning, a Hall of Fame coach, shaped much of his approach, and the Newton County High athletic complex bears his name, a tribute that underscores the family’s deep roots in Mississippi baseball.
Mark’s wife, Patti Fanning, works in the investment department at Bank Plus, a local financial institution that has supported the school’s athletic programs for years.
Rolen Fanning, a 2024 graduate, spent his senior year playing under his father’s guidance and credits the experience with sharpening his game and character before he heads to William Carey.
The outpouring of support from the booster club and school administration has ensured that the baseball facility remains among the best in the state, a testament to the community’s commitment to the sport.