Jefferson County School District names Lorenzo Thomas as Athletic Director

FAYETTE, Miss. (VDN) — The Jefferson County School District has appointed Lorenzo Thomas as athletic director for the 2025–26 school year. A 2005 graduate of Jefferson County High School, Thomas returns to lead the programs that shaped his early years, bringing more than a decade of coaching and classroom experience.

In addition to his role as athletic director, Thomas will serve as a math instructor at Jefferson County Middle School. He previously worked in education and athletics in both Jefferson and Claiborne counties.

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University and a master’s in teaching from the University of Mobile. He is certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

His coaching experience includes middle and high school athletics. He served as head coach for the middle school girls basketball team from 2014 to 2019, earning a Southwest Junior High Conference (SWJHC) championship in 2018 and two runner-up finishes. As an assistant football coach, his team finished as SWJHC runner-up in 2019. He also coached middle school boys basketball and assisted the high school girls basketball team, helping lead them to multiple district runner-up titles and an Elite Eight appearance in the 2016–17 season.

Thomas was named 2023–24 Coach of the Year in District 7-3A after leading the high school girls basketball team to a district championship and a Final Four finish.

He also co-founded two mentoring programs, Watson PEARLS and Watson GENTS, to foster character development in fourth- and fifth-grade students. He has served on the school leadership team and has been recognized for his advocacy of student growth and well-being.

“Mr. Thomas is not only a homegrown leader—he’s a champion for our students and community,” Superintendent Dr. Adrian Hammitte said. “His integrity, drive and deep love for Jefferson County are evident in everything he does. I am confident in his ability to elevate our athletic programs while building strong student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom.”

Thomas said he is honored to return and lead in the district that helped shape him.

“I’m passionate about sports, but more importantly, I’m passionate about kids,” Thomas said. “I want every scholar-athlete to leave this district with pride, purpose and opportunity. We’re going to build champions—on the court, on the field and in life.”

Thomas and his wife, Alisha, have two sons.