Vicksburg High softball honors retired assistant coach Hugh Guest

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — The Vicksburg High School softball team honored retired longtime assistant coach Hugh Guest on Tuesday night with a surprise ceremony before its game against Yazoo County.

Guest, who was unaware of the dedication, was surrounded by players who presented him with flowers and thanked him for his years of service to the program.

“I miss y’all and y’all not getting rid of me,” Guest said jokingly as he received the flowers.

Guest spent more than 20 years in softball as a player, trainer, umpire and coach. His tenure at Vicksburg High began in 2014 and concluded in 2025. He remained with the program through difficult and glory times.

During his time with the Missy Gators, Guest helped the team capture more than five district championships while assisting with both slow-pitch and fast-pitch teams.

“We have enjoyed every moment with Coach Hugh from his sense of humor, keeping things together around the field, and making sure everyone always left with something positive,” the team said in a statement. “The players and parents are so thankful for the impact he has made on our lives. We will always remember the great things he has done for us.”

Guest also threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game, showing he still had a strong arm.

At Vicksburg, Guest served under coach Brian Ellis before spending his final two seasons working under former player and current head coach Briana Knox. Prior to retiring last season, he witnessed the program defeat Warren Central High School in fast pitch for the first time in school history.

Before the evening ended, several former players returned to show their appreciation.

“Coach Hugh was always tough for the right reasons and he prepared us for life in the long run,” said 2016 graduate Hannah Ederington.

Guest remained at the field to watch his former team compete against Yazoo County, soaking in the support from players past and present.