Leake Academy Headmaster and head football coach Brian Pickens will be inducted into the Mid-Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Coaches Association Sports Hall of Fame class of 2024.
Brian Pickens was born in Shelby, MS in 1971 to Larry and Betty Pickens. He is married to the former Angie Bowen of Eupora, MS. They have three sons, Carter, Gunner, and John Brady.
After graduating high school at Starkville Academy, Pickens enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves. He would go on to graduate from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching and coaching, eventually earning his Master of Education Degree from the University of West Alabama in Educational Leadership.
While attending Mississippi State University, Brian began his coaching career at Central Academy and Heritage Academy. After graduating from MSU, he took his first full time coaching job at Grenada High School. He then returned home to coach at his alma mater, Starkville
Academy, where he served as the defensive coordinator.
In 1999, Brian accepted his first head football coaching position at Central Academy where his team would play for the North State
Championship. After one year at Central Academy, he moved to West Point, MS to take the head football job at Oak Hill Academy.
In 2002, Brian became the head football coach at Leake Academy.
Under Coach Pickens’ leadership, Leake Academy has won seven District titles, a North State Title (2010) and a State championship in 2020 to cap a perfect 13-0 season.
Additionally, the Rebels are currently on an 18-year streak of qualifying for the postseason.
Pickens has had many wonderful memories during his time at Leake Academy, not only professionally but also personally. His most cherished memories, however, have come from coaching his sons at Leake Academy.
Pickens transitioned to the Head of School position at Leake Academy in 2015, and he has been active in the MAIS Academy Activities Commission over the years.
He currently serves on the MAIS executive committee.
Other inductees in the class of 2024 include Bill Ball, Gerald Britt, David King, Pete Lewis (posthumous), Mack Norwood, and Russ Shows.
The 2024 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 at the MS Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson.
A reception will be held at 2:30 with the ceremony beginning at 3:00 pm.