A former Kosciusko Whippets coach has officially been inducted into one of the highest honors in high school athletics.
Bill Ward was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame during a ceremony held Tuesday night in Coralville, Iowa. The recognition celebrates his decades of leadership, success, and lasting impact on student-athletes in Mississippi and beyond.
Ward, a native of Ackerman, spent more than 30 years coaching football, girls basketball, and track across the state of Mississippi. His coaching career included an early stint in Kosciusko beginning in 1981, where he served as head coach for track and girls basketball for three seasons while also assisting with the Whippets football program.
After leaving Kosciusko, Ward went on to Pelahatchie High School, where he built a highly successful 33-year tenure. One of his most notable achievements there came in 2001, when he led his football team to a state championship.
Beyond his on-field success, Ward also played a major role in Mississippi high school athletics leadership. He was inducted into the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) Hall of Fame in 2021 and served on the MAC Board of Directors from 2000 to 2013. He later held leadership positions as Vice President from 2013 to 2014 and President from 2014 to 2015.
Ward was one of two longtime MAC members inducted into this year’s NHSACA Hall of Fame class, joining fellow Mississippi coach Anthony Jenkins.
