Maurice Gilliam takes over as the VHS head soccer coach

Vicksburg High School has appointed Maurice Gilliam as the new head coach for the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. A native of Vicksburg, the board has already approved Gilliam for the position, and he has begun working with his new team.

“I felt like both the boys and girls deserved a coach with some experience and they had some great coaches in the past,” Gilliam said. “When they started looking for a coach I saw the opportunity and went for so I’m here now.”

With over 25 years of coaching experience under his belt, Gilliam brings a rich history to VHS. His coaching journey includes stints with the Olympic Development Program (ODP), club soccer, the Vicksburg Soccer Organization, and serving as the assistant coach for St. Aloysius for the past three years.

“I just want to be a positive role model for the kids and a lot of kids I’ve coached in the past have went on to play in college so I want to do the same thing with these athletes and take them to another level,” Gilliam added.

Being a defensively-oriented coach, Gilliam aims to uphold and enhance the winning tradition at VHS.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and I believe in this team and I know we can do it,” Gilliam said.

The Missy Gators’ previous head coach was Samantha Bailey, who steered the team to three district titles. Although the boys’ team has faced challenges in recent years, many are optimistic that Gilliam, as the new head coach, will usher in a brighter future for the squad.

A VHS alumnus, Gilliam graduated in 1989 and was an active football player during his school days.

The Gators’ soccer season is set to kick off on Nov.4.