Coach Matthew DeFillips Selected for Prestigious Tomorrow’s 25 Coaching Fellowship
Long Beach School District is proud to announce that Coach Matthew DeFillips has been named to the Tomorrow’s 25 Coaching Fellowship, a statewide leadership program developed in partnership with the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) and the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). The fellowship formally recognizes 25 emerging leaders in Mississippi’s high school and middle school athletic community.
The 10‑month fellowship is Mississippi’s signature program for developing future athletic leaders. Participants are chosen through a competitive selection process and must demonstrate excellence in coaching, a commitment to student development, and a deep investment in their school communities.
“It’s been a tremendous honor to be part of the Tomorrow’s 25 Fellowship,” Coach DeFillips said. “The experience has reinforced why I coach; to serve kids and help them grow as people. Being surrounded by talented coaches who care deeply about their players and communities has been incredibly motivating, and I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned back to Long Beach and our soccer program.”
Johnny Mims, Executive Director of the MAC, praised this year’s cohort. “This program is one of my favorite things about coaches and teams. If you’re around this group for 30 minutes, you’re inspired and want more kids to have coaches like them in their lives.”
All 25 coaches selected for the fellowship represent the very best of Mississippi athletics. Each honoree embodies the program’s core values: a love for young people, a commitment to developing them for life through sports, and a demonstrated record of excellence in their field.
Throughout the fellowship, coaches participate in seven in‑person sessions and three virtual sessions, each designed to strengthen leadership capacity in three key areas:
- Impact on Student-Athletes
Coaches deepen their ability to influence students in leadership, resilience, empathy, and responsibility through practical modules implemented in their home schools.
- Peer Network Development
Participants build meaningful relationships with 24 fellow emerging leaders from across the state.
- Access to State and National Leaders
Coaches engage with leaders from MAC, MHSAA, collegiate athletics, and other educational organizations to expand their influence within their schools and communities.
This year marks a major milestone for Mississippi: 100 coaches will have completed the program since its inception.
“We’re already seeing a ripple effect,” said Rickey Neaves, Executive Director of the MHSAA. “We believe in this program and can’t wait until 500 coaches have gone through it.”
Long Beach School District congratulates Coach DeFillips on this outstanding achievement and celebrates his continued dedication to the students and community of Long Beach.
