Northside High School names Blytheville's McKenzie Pierce as new basketball coach
McKenzie Pierce, head basketball coach at Blytheville, has been named Northside High School has a new basketball coach, only a few weeks after former Coach Eric Burnett left for a job in Springdale.
Pierce will also be the Fort Smith district's athletic coordinator.
"With great excitement, the Fort Smith Public School District and Northside High School announce the hiring of McKenzie Pierce as Northside’s new varsity head boys basketball coach and athletic coordinator," a statement from the Fort Smith Public Schools District read Monday afternoon.
Burnett took a job as an assistant in the Springdale Public School District in July.
More: Northside basketball coach Eric Burnett leaving for Springdale position
The district reports that Pierce's resume includes a 74% winning percentage, (220 wins and 77 losses); a season average win/loss record of 25 wins and nine losses; nine state tournament appearances; three district championships; five conference championships; four state semifinal appearances; and three state title appearances.Pierce has had five conference coach of the year awards, five conference all-star coach nominations, and most recently, the East Boys All-Star head coach in 2023.
Michael Beaumont, Fort Smith's director of athletics and student activities said, “We are delighted to welcome Coach Pierce and his family to the FSPS family. We believe Coach Pierce’s commitment to athletic excellence and his dedication to education perfectly fit within our existing culture of putting kids first, believing in them, and fostering an environment where that student can thrive as part of the team. We have complete confidence in Coach Pierce and look forward to witnessing further success under his leadership.”
The Fort Smith Public School District public information office released comments from other coaches Monday afternoon.
Mike Anderson, former men’s basketball head coach at the University of Arkansas, said “I want to congratulate McKenzie on getting the opportunity to lead the Northside HS Grizzlies Basketball program. Without any questions, he will build on the great tradition that is Northside. McKenzie and his family joining the Fort Smith community is a win-win situation. Grizzly Nation, get ready!”
Kermit Davis, former men’s basketball head coach at the University of Mississippi said, “McKenzie Pierce, without a doubt, is one of the very best high school coaches in Arkansas. He is the total package of teaching, creating great relationships with his players, and will be an outstanding connector of family to Fort Smith. Combine this with the tradition that is Northside Basketball, and McKenzie will be an absolute slam dunk.”
Pierce served as the head boys basketball coach at Blytheville, and as head coach at East Poinsett County, as well as as working as a graduate assistant for the men’s basketball program at the University of Arkansas.
Pierce has master's and bachelor's degrees in physical education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, according to information released by the district.
Pierce is married to wife Lena and they have two children.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: New Northside High School basketball coach named
