Columbia Academy head baseball coach Heath Smith, who led the Cougars to a state title in 2017, announced his resignation effective immediately May 24.
“It’s just time to move on. I wanted to leave the program better than I found it and give them a summer to replace me,” he said Tuesday. “I’m going to start my job search and pursue things within baseball and outside of baseball as well. I wish Columbia Academy the best, and I enjoyed my time there. I have a lot of great memories in the seven years, four as head coach, and felt it was the best time for me and the school to move forward.”
Smith’s time at CA will undoubtedly be characterized by the Cougars besting Central Hinds Academy to claim the 2017 MAIS AAA State Championship, the school’s first title in more than 20 years. The Cougars also led the entire country with 61 home runs as a team.
Smith guided the Cougars to a 76-52 record during his tenure as head coach, winning back-to-back district titles the past two seasons, as well as guiding six players to sign collegiate scholarships and another commit to a D-1 school before his sophomore season (Slade Wilks, Southern Miss).
Smith offered a parting message to the players he coached at CA.
“Thanks for the memories and the opportunity to lead you guys through the years,” he said. “I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”
Now Columbia Academy will be tasked with replacing a championship-caliber coach, but it’s a challenge Smith said he believes the private school will have no issue accomplishing.
“I have all the trust in the world the administration will make the right hire and keep the program heading upward,” he said.
CA Headmaster Angie Burkett could not immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday.
