FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Magnolia School District Names Jacob Richardson Head Baseball Coach at Magnolia High School
Magnolia, Arkansas — The Magnolia School District is proud to announce the promotion of Jacob Richardson as the new Head Baseball Coach at Magnolia High School.
Richardson brings seven years of coaching experience and a strong background in both athletics and student development to the role. He previously served as an Assistant Baseball Coach at Magnolia High School and has coached at several levels, including Southern Arkansas University, England High School, and the Academies of West Memphis.
A graduate of Southern Arkansas University, Richardson earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in December 2018 and his Master of Science degree in May 2022.
As both a player and coach, Richardson has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his career. While playing at SAU, he was named a 2018 All-American and Great American Conference Player of the Year. As a coach, he helped lead England High School to the 2A State Semifinals in 2021 and assisted Magnolia High School in reaching the 4A State Semifinals in 2026. In 2024, he was selected as the Head Coach of the East All-Stars in the AAA All-Star Game.
Richardson says Magnolia has always held a special place in his heart.
“Magnolia Panther Baseball has a rich tradition built by the leadership of great coaches, strong administrative and community support, and exceptional talent,” Richardson said. “Although Magnolia is not my hometown, it has always felt that way. I am a Mulerider, and I am a Panther.”
He also emphasized the pride and passion that surround Panther athletics.
“From the first time I stepped on campus, I could see the pride the students, staff, and community take in wearing the Panther red,” Richardson said. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead Magnolia Panther Baseball and make a positive impact in the lives of young men through the game of baseball.”
Looking ahead, Richardson plans to build upon the strong foundation established by previous coaches and continue developing a championship-caliber program both on and off the field.
“We return a very talented group for 2027 that fell just short in 2026,” Richardson said. “Our goal is to build on that momentum and compete for a state championship. Long term, we want our program to be known for winning championships, building relationships, and earning high academic honors in the classroom.”
Richardson described the values he wants to emphasize within the program:
“Attitude and effort are the two absolutes in our program. We want our student-athletes to be disciplined, respectful, hardworking individuals both in competition and in the classroom.”
Outside of coaching, Richardson enjoys golf, bow hunting, fishing, and maintaining Magnolia’s athletic fields to ensure student-athletes compete on premier facilities. He and his wife, Haley, a dentist in El Dorado and fellow SAU graduate, recently welcomed their daughter, Anniston, in January 2026. The family also includes their Australian Shepherd, Millie.
The Magnolia School District looks forward to the continued growth and success of Magnolia Panther Baseball under Richardson’s leadership.