The Starkville-Oktibbeha School District has named Anthony Carlisle the new head coach of Yellow Jackets boys basketball. Mr. Carlisle's employment was approved at a special board meeting on Friday, May 3.
For the past six years, Coach Carlisle has served as the head boys basketball coach at Yazoo City High School, bringing over 15 years of coaching experience and six state championships to the Yellow Jacket program. Prior to his current position, he was the head coach at Columbus High School and Velma Jackson High School, winning state championships at both schools.
“Coach Anthony Carlisle is a proven leader who has brought to the Yellow Jacket program a highly regarded track record not only of winning, but also of player development,” said SOSD Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee. “He has built successful programs in his three different school districts and has helped over 30 student-athletes achieve their dreams of playing at the next level.”
During his remarkable career, Carlisle compiled an overall coaching record of 303-111 and led seven different teams to state championships, most recently in 2023. He has won district coach of the year awards eight times during his tenure in 3A and 4A. He played in 5A and 6A and was named Mississippi State Coach of the Year in 2015. In 2024, he was named a finalist for Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. He has coached numerous four- and five-star players from community college, Division II, and Division I, including familiar names such as Brandon Weatherspoon, Quindary Weatherspoon, and Robert Woodard.
“Starkville has represented the state in basketball for many years,” Carlisle said. “Many of our previous coaches have had a lot of success, and I’m excited to help build on that for our school and community.”
Coach Carlyle holds a Bachelor's degree in Health/Physical Education and Coaching from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master's degree in Education from Belhaven University, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. In addition to coaching, he has also served as a teacher, assistant athletic director, athletic director, and assistant principal.
Carlisle is the son of legendary basketball coach Archie Carlisle, who is a member of the MAC Hall of Fame. Archie Carlisle achieved his 1201-800 record and his seven state championship wins in his 45-year career on the court. Coach Carlisle believes his father taught him by example that hard work leads to success, and he applies that truth to his daily coaching.
“He always taught me the value of hard work through his own work ethic,” Carlisle said. “He also knew the importance of building relationships, which is better than any basketball play.”
Coach Carlisle will officially join the Yellow Jackets staff in July. He and his wife Kiosha have his two sons, Jaylan and Kameron.
“We are excited to welcome Anthony and his family to Starkville and Jacket Athletics in this leadership role,” McGee said. “We can’t wait for him to begin building relationships with his players and fellow coaches, and we look forward to the continued success he will bring to the SHS program.”