Athletics

Read along with the recap our big varsity football, basketball, and baseball games!

Our Athletics Program

Athletics is a vital part of the extracurricular experience of our students at Starkville Academy. The Athletic Department is committed to providing a wide variety of competitive interscholastic sports teams for its student body, while embracing the school's mission. Starkville Academy's athletic program provides a level of competition appropriate to the age, development, ability and interest of all its students. Starkville Academy has a rich tradition of excellence throughout its athletic program. Volunteer teams compete in the Mid-south Association of Independent Schools in Class AAAAA for all sports and Division II for soccer.

Meet the coaches

Athletic Administration

Brian Merkel, Athletic Director

We are excited to welcome back Brian Merkel as our new Starkville Academy Athletic Director. While at SA, Brian served as the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach and the Director of Development from 2022-2024.

Before his time at SA, Brian was the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Mississippi University for Women from 2018-2021. While at MUW, Brian also served as Development Officer from August 2021-May 2022 and is most recently finishing up his time serving as MUW’s Assistant Athletic Director.

“I am very excited and grateful to be returning to Starkville Academy as its newest Athletic Director. I want to thank Jeremy Nicholas and the rest of SA for this incredible opportunity. I know how special of a place it is and I am excited to get started in this new role. The administration, coaches, parents and student-athletes are going to get someone who will work diligently to make our athletic department the best it can be day in and day out. Go Vols!”

Volunteer Highlights

Starkville Academy alumni have competed and continue to gain scholarships to compete at the collegiate level in basketball, baseball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, and track.
Many of our coaches have earned "Coach of the Year" recognition from the MAIS and local newspapers.
Many of our student athletes in baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, football, soccer, and softball have been named All-Americans, MAIS All-Stars, and MAIS Futures.
In past years, our basketball, football, girls' soccer, tennis, and track teams have won state championships and titles. Our jr. high football team has also been undefeated and district champs for the past 3 years.
Younger students are encouraged to develop their skills through camps and workshops sponsored by the varsity teams.

athletic booster club

The purpose of the Starkville Academy Booster Club is to support the SA Athletic Program in its endeavor to provide opportunities for students to participate in the athletic programs. The Booster Club will accomplish this goal by the Board of Directors working with and through the Head of School, Athletic Director, coaches, and other school administrators to assist in ensuring needs are met in the areas of equipment, awards, and facilities.